Biology A Level

***** UPDATE FOR SEPTEMBER 2026 ENTRY *****

Thank you for your interest in our sixth form. We are no longer accepting applications. If you would like to be considered for a course in September, please take the following steps:

Current Sittingbourne School Students please speak to a member of the Sixth Form Team when you come to pick up your GCSE results on Thursday 20th August.

Students from other schools please bring us a paper copy of your results sheet on Friday 21st August 2026 between 10am and 12pm. Unfortunately we cannot accept a photograph of your results. Please come to the main school reception at Swanstree Avenue, Sittingbourne, Kent ME10 4NL.

Applications Open: Monday 3rd November 2025

Applications Close: Friday 17th July 2026

Entry Requirements: Our general entry requirements are:-

• A Levels – advanced courses, two year study programme, with an average entry requirement of at least five grade 5+ qualifications, including English and mathematics. Some subjects may have additional entry requirements.

• BTEC Level 3 – advanced courses, two year study programme, with an average entry requirement of at least five grade 4+ qualifications, including English and mathematics. Some subjects may have additional entry requirements.

• T Level - technical course, two year study programme, with an average entry requirement of at least five grade 5+ qualifications, including English and mathematics.

• BTEC Level 2 – One year programme, which could lead on to further studies, with an average entry requirement at least five grade 2 or above, including English and mathematics.

How to Apply: Please apply via Kent Choices

If applying to T Level Engineering, please include a second choice set of subjects within the same application.

Summary of skills students gain by studying this subject

A level biology is suitable for students who:

• have an interest in, and enjoy biology;
• want to find out about how things in the biological world work;
• enjoy applying their mind to explaining everyday responses;
• enjoy carrying out practicals to develop their skills and understanding further;

Studying Biology A level will provide the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills including teamwork, communication skills, investigative and analytical skills and planning. In particular practical tasks enable opportunities for planning, implementing, analysing and evaluating skills.

Course Specification

Content is split into six teaching modules:

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

Assessment

Module 1 - Biological processes (01) - 100 marks - 2 hour 15 mins written paper - 37% of total A level

Module 2 and Module 3 - Biological Diversity (02) - 100 marks - 2 hour 15 mins written paper - 37% of total A level

Module 4 - Unified biology (03) - 70 marks - 1 hour 30 mins written paper - 26% of total A level

Module 5 & Module 6 - Practical Endorsement in biology(04) - Non-Exam Assessment - Reported Separately

Additional course entry requirements

Grade 6 in Biology or grade 6 6 in Combined science and grade 5 in mathematics

Progression and career opportunities

A level Biology is a flexible option which sits well with many other subjects. The course provides an opportunity for a broad base of Biological studies which provides an excellent opportunity to branch in many directions for further studies, such as Forensic science, Conservation, Toxicologist, geneticist, Environmental Consultants and an array of Healthcare Professionals such as Medicine, Paramedic, Radiography, Physiotherapy, Nursing etc.