Biology A Level

Applications Open: - 28th November 2025

Applications Close: - 30th January 2026

How to Apply: - via Kent Choices

Entry Requirements: - Students must meet the following academic criteria:

(a) Applicants must achieve at least an average GCSE grade of 5.7 from eight subjects (this must include at least one modern foreign language, at least one science and at least one humanity).

(b) Applicants must also have GCSE Mathematics and at least one English GCSE at a minimum of grade 5.

In addition to the above requirements, applicants wishing to be accepted on to a particular subject must achieve the requirements set down for that particular course in the Sixth Form Curriculum booklet

https://mgs.kent.sch.uk/admission/sixth-form-entry/

All students study 4 A Levels in Year 12 (Choose 5 subjects on the application form, with the 5th being a reserve). It is important that students refer to the 6th Form Curriculum booklet to ensure that they choose their courses appropriately. (There is the option to drop one of these subjects at the end of Year 12 and undertake an EPQ).

We do not require applicants to write a Personal Statement.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ): Alongside our extensive A level offering, students are offered the opportunity to gain an Extended Project Qualification (Level 3). This research based qualification is an ideal way to prepare ahead of further academic studies and / or the working world. Students are able to research, plan and realise a 5000 word study on a topic of their choosing. Topics are wide ranging. Many students choose to explore topics that either complement their interests and academic studies or create a bridge to future career aspirations, for example in law or medicine. An EPQ provides ideal content for CVs, university applications and is worth up to 28 UCAS points. Importantly, many universities will lower their offer to students studying an EPQ because they recognise the skills and expertise students gain from studying an EPQ.

Biology is one of the most popular A Level courses in the country, attracting students studying a wide range of other subjects. Many of these students enjoy the subject so much, they eventually choose a biologically related degree course such as Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Physiotherapy, Pharmacy, Optometry, Nursing, but also Marine Biology, Biotechnology, Genetics, Food Technology, Microbiology, Forensic Science, Conservation, and Environmental Science. Biology is mutually supporting of Chemistry or Geography. Others go on to careers in Law, Computing, Accounting and Teaching. So, whatever field you eventually work in, you will find Biology a rewarding and challenging course which will develop many of the skills needed for a successful career.

Biology involves the study of a wide range of exciting topics, from molecular biology to the study of ecosystems and from micro-organisms to mammoths. The course builds on practical skills gained at GCSE and includes advanced training in How Science Works.

You will be tested on practical skills that are completed in lessons within the Biology exam itself. Biology involves an extremely large amount of independent learning due to the huge number of technical terms and complex concepts that must be understood before they can be applied. Students must be prepared to put in a significant amount of time reviewing their work and background reading. You are examined on application of your knowledge in often unknown biological circumstances; this subject is therefore not always a straightforward recall of facts.

During the two year A Level course with OCR, students will study the following topics:

• Module 1 – Development of Practical Skills in Biology

• Module 2 – Foundations in Biology

• Module 3 – Exchange and Transport

• Module 4 – Biodiversity, Evolution and Disease

• Module 5 – Communication, Homeostasis and Energy

• Module 6 – Genetics, Evolution and Ecosystems

  
  

  The A Level is assessed by three written exams at the end of the course.

As above.

To study this course, you are expected to achieve a Grade 7 or higher in GCSE/IGCSE Biology, or a Grade 7 in Trilogy Science.

Also, at least Grade 6 in GCSE Mathematics and English

You could take this course to complement other Advanced Level courses that may overlap with Biology, which could lead onto Higher Education in Science related subjects, or more general Higher Education courses. With further training, you could go into a job related to Biology such as a Doctor, Nurse, Science Technician or Marine Biologist. It will help you to develop the basic skills, understanding and knowledge that many employers across lots of industries are looking for. You could take this course with other Advanced Level courses, which overlap with Biology such as Chemistry, Applied Science, Physics, Geography, Geology or more general subjects that may not relate to the Sciences, to prepare for Higher Education.