A Level Biology

Saint George's Church of England School (Gravesend)

, Meadow Road, GRAVESEND, DA11 7LS

GCE A/AS Level or Equivalent

Level 3

Available start dates

Tuesday, 01 September 2026

Saint George's Church of England School (Gravesend)

2 Year(s)

Full time

Daytime/working hours

NULL

Block B

Application Instructions

Applications Open: - 11th November 2025

Applications Close: - 23rd January 2026 to allow us to build our curriculum. We will accept late applications beyond this date, but they may take longer to process.

Entry Requirements: - Vary by course please see individual subject information on this website. We also require students to achieve at least five Grade 5s or above at GCSE for Level 3 curriculum. For our Level 2 Pathway, students need to have five Grade 3s or above, inlcuding English and Maths

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices. Applications submitted by the end of January will have a decision on their offer by the 2nd April 2026.

Course Summary

Biology is a complex and broad science. You will enjoy this course if you are interested in all aspects of living organisms, how they work and how they interact with their environment. You will develop a logical approach to problem solving combined with practical applications in experiments and fieldwork. A-level Biology is a stepping stone to future study, and we follow a specification which was put together following consultation with a range of universities to ensure the course allows students to develop the skills that they want to see. A-Level Biology will inspire students, nurture a passion for Biology and lay the groundwork for further study in courses like biological sciences and medicine.

Biology is fundamentally an experimental subject. This course provides numerous opportunities to use practical experiences to link theory to reality, and equip students with the essential practical skills they need.

The specification focuses on 3 main groups of skills which are developed and assessed throughout the course.

Mathematical Skills, Apparatus and Techniques and Practical Skills.

Course Details

YEAR 1

1. Biological molecules

2. Cells

3. Organisms exchange substances with their environment

4. Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms

YEAR 2

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

How will it be delivered and assessed?

A-Level Qualification: 100% Examination - 3 exam papers – the 3rd paper has an essay section.

Practical Endorsement: All students studying A-Level Biology must complete 12 ‘Required Practicals’ and a separate endorsement of practical skills will be taken alongside the A-level. This will be assessed by teachers and will be based on direct observation of students’ competency in a range of skills that are not assessable in written exams.

Entry requirements

Grade 5 or higher in GCSE Biology (Higher tier only) / Grade 5 or higher in GCSE Additional/Combined Science (Higher tier only)

PLUS Grade 5 or higher in GCSE English & Maths (higher tier only).

Your next steps...

Biology is required for most degrees in medicine, biology, biomedical sciences, dentistry, dietetics, physiotherapy, orthoptics and veterinary medicine. Biology is usually required or recommended for courses in biochemistry, environmental science, nursing, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, sports science, physiology and speech therapy.

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