A Level Biology

Applications Open: - 3rd November 2025

Applications Close: - 31st March 2026

Entry Requirements: - Our Sixth Form entry requirements are five GCSEs at Grade 4 and above for the 'A' Level Pathway (in addition to some individual subject entry requirements) and 4 GCSEs at Grade 4 and above for the Vocational (BTEC) Pathway. The course information gives specific details of course content and entry requirements. Please also refer to the Sixth Form Prospectus for the specific entry requirements for the chosen subjects.

Students need to select the equivalent of 3 A Levels or more. (Triple BTEC counts as 3, Double BTEC counts as 2). Subjects are grouped into option blocks, please be aware that not all combinations are possible.

In addition to academic requirements stated above a place will be dependent on the receipt of a satisfactory school reference.

How to Apply: - Please apply via Kent Choices if you area a student from another school.

Please visit our website www.stanselmscanterbury.org.uk for more information.

Biology is a key subject for lots of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths) careers, particularly in healthcare, medicine and jobs involving plants or animals. The list is pretty long and includes: nursing, dentistry, forensic science, psychology, physiotherapy, botany, environmental science, zoology, geology, oceanography, pharmaceuticals, energy, teaching, science writing, genetics and research. As with the other sciences, Biology helps you to build up research, problem solving, organisation and analytical skills. If you study Biology, you will likely find yourself working on group projects, which will help you build your teamwork and communication skills too.

Why study A-Level Biology?

Rachel Lambert-Forsyth, Director of Education and Training at the Society of Biology, says: “Biology opens up exciting career possibilities. From conservation to cancer research, biologists are tackling important 21st century challenges, and we need skilled young people to be part of this. It is also important to remember that Biology is excellent preparation for non-scientific careers, thanks to the skills it provides – everything from analytical thinking to writing reports.”

Moreover, Biology has been named as a “facilitating subject” by the Russell Group of universities. These are the subjects most commonly required or preferred by universities to get on to a range of degree courses. They can help students keep their options open when choosing a degree and many of the top universities will ask you to have at least one A-level in a facilitating subject when you apply.

Module 1: Development of Practical Skills in Biology

Module 2: Foundations in Biology

- Cell Structure - Biological molecules - Nucleotides and nucleic acids - Enzymes - Biological membranes - Cell division, cell diversity and cellular organisation

Module 3: Exchange and transport

- Exchange surfaces - Transport in animals - Transport in plants

Module 4: Biodiversity, evolution and disease

- Communicable diseases, disease prevention and the immune system - Biodiversity - Classification and evolution

Module 5: Communication, homeostasis and energy

- Communication and homeostasis - Excretion as an example of homeostatic control - Neuronal communication - Hormonal communication - Plant and animal responses - Photosynthesis - Respiration

Module 6: Genetics, evolution and ecosystems

- Cellular control - Patterns of the inheritance - Manipulating genomes - Cloning and biotechnology - Ecosystems - Populations and sustainability

Paper 1: Biological Processes (2 hrs 15 mins, 100 marks, 37%)

Section A : Multiple Choice (15 marks)

Section B: Structured questions and extended response questions, covering theory and practical skills (85 marks)

Paper 2: Biological Diversity (2 hrs 15 mins, 100 marks, 37%)

Section A : Multiple Choice (15 marks)

Section B: Structured questions and extended response questions, covering theory and practical skills (85 marks)

Paper 3: Unified Biology (1 hr 30 mins, 70 marks, 26%)

Structured questions and extended response questions, covering theory and practical skills

Non-exam assessment: Practical endorsement for Biology (reported separately)

Five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including Grade 5 or above in GCSE Biology Higher Paper or Grade 5,5 in Combined Science at GCSE Higher Paper. English Language at Grade 4

*Students taking more than one Maths or Science subject will require 5 GCSEs at grade 5 or above, including English and Mathematics.

Please note that Core Maths (1 year course) would be a beneficial addition to this subject (where Mathematics A Level is not studied) as it will aid the mathematical elements of the course.

Medicine, pharmacology, veterinary medicine, flavour technology, microbiology, disease control, forestry management, marine biology and many more.