A Level Biology

Applications Open – Monday 3 November 2025

Applications Close – Friday 13 February 2026

Entry Requirements – Can be found on the course booklet on our website: https://4905753ff3cea231a868-376d75cd2890937de6f542499f88a819.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com/bartoncourt/uploads/document/Sixth-Form-course-booklet-2026.pdf

How to Apply – Please apply via KentChoices

Biology is the study of living organisms, both how they function, how they interact and the effect they have on the biosphere. We are fortunate at Barton Court in having teachers who are experienced in the teaching of A Level and in particular in the teaching of zoology, ecology and molecular biology.

The course is wide ranging and great emphasis is placed on how Science works in biology and the practical applications of biology to the wider world.

Core content

1 Biological molecules

2 Cells

3 Organisms exchange substances with their environment

4 Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms

5 Energy transfers in and between organisms

6 Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments

7 Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems

8 The control of gene expression

Unit 1: Written 2 hour examination on units 1-4 35% of the A Level

Unit 2: Written 2 hour examination on units 5-8 35% of the A Level

Unit 3: Written 2 hour examination on practical aspects of units 1-8 and a synoptic essay 30% of the A Level

There is no practical examination or coursework. There are 12 required key practicals, which are evidenced over the 2 years and which are examined in Paper 3.

Sixth Form entry requirements, including Biology at 6 grade (or Combined Science GCSE at grade 7).

Students who have studied at Barton Court in the past have gone on to study Medicine, Dentistry, Biology, Natural Sciences, Nursing, Pharmacy, Marine biology, Ecology and the increasingly popular Biosciences degrees, where you choose your modules as your interest in the subject develops over the years of the degree course.