A Level - Biology

Biology is the study of living organisms and the processes that make life possible. Biology provides an excellent foundation for careers in a variety of occupations in the areas of molecular and cellular biology, physiology, industrial microbiology and biotechnology, human genetics, forensic science, health education, plant pathology, oceanography, herpetology, animal behaviour, ecology, environmental studies, entomology, parasitology, botany, mammalogy and postgraduate education.

• Biological molecules - All life on Earth shares a common chemistry.
• Cells - All life on Earth exists as cells.
• Organisms exchange substances with their environment - The internal environment of a cell or organism is different from its external environment.
• Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms - Biological diversity – biodiversity – is reflected in the vast number of species of organisms, in the variation of individual characteristics within a single species and in the variation of cell types within a single multicellular organism.
• Energy transfers in and between organisms - Life depends on continuous transfers of energy.
• Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environment - A stimulus is a change in the internal or external environment.
• Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems - The theory of evolution underpins modern Biology.
• The control of gene expression - Cells are able to control their metabolic activities by regulating the transcription and translation of their genome

There are three examinations and a practical endorsement (pass or fail) element. This will be reported separately to the final grade and will be based on performance in practical assessments throughout the two years.

• Paper 1 - written examination, 2 hours, 35%, short and long answer questions and extended response questions.
• Paper 2 - written examination, 2 hours, 35%, short and long answer questions and a comprehension question.
• Paper 3 - synoptic written examination, 2 hours, 30%, structured questions, including practical techniques, critical analysis of given experimental data and one essay.

Grade 6 or above in GCSE Biology or 6-6 or above in GCSE Combined Science. Grade 6 or above in GCSE Mathematics is also required.

General Sixth Form entry requirements

• At least a grade 5 in either English Language or English Literature
• At least a grade 5 in Mathematics
• At least 6 GCSE subjects of grades 9-5

If you wish to apply to join our Sixth Form please visit our website to complete the application process.