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Biology

Why study Biology?

Because you are interested in it and up for a challenge!

A-level Biology is a stepping stone to future study, it will inspire you, help you develop key scientific skills and nurture your passion for Biology. 

It will also lay the groundwork for further study in biology related courses like Biological Science and Medicine.

Course overview 

There are 8 Units: Units 1- 4 are covered in Year 12, Units 5 - 8 are covered in Year 13

  • Unit 1: Biological molecules
  • Unit 2: Cells
  • Unit 3: Organisms exchange substances with their environment
  • Unit 4: Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms
  • Unit 5: Energy transfers in and between organisms
  • Unit 6: Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments
  • Unit 7: Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems
  • Unit 8: The control of gene expression
Through taking A level Biology, students will:
  • develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of biology and how they relate to each other
  • develop and demonstrate skills, knowledge and understanding of scientific methods
  • develop confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem solving skills
  • develop their interest in and enthusiasm for the subject, including developing an interest in further study and careers associated with the subject
  • understand how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society.

How is the course assessed?

The course is assessed in three 2 hour exam papers (including a 25 mark essay)

  • 10% of the questions are on maths skills (at GCSE level)
  • 15% of questions are on practical skills (including the 12 required practicals)
Paper 1 - Long and short questions with 15 marks on extended response questions 
  • 2 hours 
  • 91 marks
  • 35% of the A level
  • Covering content from Unit 1 to Unit 4 
Paper 2 - Long and short questions with 15 marks on a comprehension question 
  • 2 hours 
  • 91 marks
  • 35% of the A level
  • Covering content from Unit 5 to Unit 8 
Paper 3 - structured questions, critical analysis of experimental data and a 25 mark essay
  • 2 hours 
  • 78 marks
  • 30% of the A level
  • Covering content from Unit 1 to Unit 8 

What will I do in lessons?

The style of A Level lessons is similar to GCSE lessons. 

We cover a range of practical’s in biology, ranging from dissections to field study.

All teachers are A level specialists so you will be taught how to develop your exam skills for example: analysis and evaluation skills, practical skills, maths skills. 

"We really focus on exam technique which is why our results are outstanding!"

What Independent study will be expected? 

Between 5 - 10 hours of extra work outside of lessons (where at least two thirds of that time is past paper practice)

Your teacher will show you how to build your independent study skills so you will be supported to become an independent learner

You will be emailed articles, videos and past paper questions for your independent study time in the Weekly Work Schedule. 

There are also lots of additional resources in Teams for you to do in that time

Exam Board

AQA  

Link to specification

GCSE entry requirements

  • 6 in Mathematics required
  • 6 in English Language OR 6 in English Literature required
  • 7 + 6 in Science Combined Trilogy required (if Biology is the only science subject being studied at A level)
  • 7 + 7 in Science Combined Trilogy required (if Biology is being studied alongside another A level science subject)
  • OR  7 biology + 6 chemistry + 6 physics required
What A Levels go well with this one?

Biology is complemented well by taking another science such as chemistry and by maths

What can I do beyond A Levels with this subject? 

Biology closes no doors and keeps most open!

All universities and employers are impressed with a biology A level because of the many skills you gain. So, this means you can apply for non-science related courses.

However, many of our students go into a variety of science related courses at university. Here are some examples:

Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacology, Veterinary Medicine, Bioinformatics, Cell Biology, Computational Biology, Environmental Science, Immunology, Marine Biology, Medical Sciences, Nursing, Zoology.

Frequently asked questions

How many classes are in each year?

Year 12: 11 groups

Year 13: 11 groups

What are the class sizes?

Year 12: approximately 22 students per group

Year 13: approximately 20 students per group

Are there shared classes?

10 classes are taught by only 1 teacher & there is only 1 shared group (taught by 2 teachers for the whole 2 years)

As far as possible, the same teacher teaches you for 2 years so they get to know you really well

How many hours per week?

5 hours (spread over 4 lessons: 2 x 1.5 hour lessons and 2 x 1 hour lessons)

How much practical work is there?

Six assessed ‘required practicals’ per year (12 required practicals in total)

A certificate of endorsement awarded at the end of the A level course

(practical skills make up 15% of total marks in the exam)

What is the homework like?

A Weekly email with the ‘Weekly Work Schedule’ is sent out (which includes at least 5 hours of guided independent work and the homework task). Your teacher may also set additional homework

What kind of support is available to me?
  1. Biology Subject Tutorial: 1 hour each fortnight where you can meet with any of the biology teachers for extra help
  2. Teams Resources: students can access resources such as PowerPoint presentations, worked examples and lots of extra past paper questions on Teams. 
  3. Extra Support: a lot of support and guidance available e.g. on study skills, motivation, time management, how to work independently and organisational skills.
  4. Textbook: available as a hard copy and online via Kerboodle. 
  5. Peer mentoring: is also available with Year 13 students.

Because, on the whole, the same teachers see you for 5 hours a week across the two years of the course, they get to know you really well and can guide you on what areas/skills to improve. Students are supported to become independent learners so they are ready for the demands of university

What are the exam results like?
  • A*: 17% (+7.9% above national average)
  • A*- A: 50% (+22.5% above national average)
  • A*- B: 76% (+28% above national average)
  • Pass Rate: 100% (+4.8% above national average)

 

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