Biology A Level

Applications Open: - 5th November 2025

Applications Close: - 5th January 2026

Entry Requirements: - Our entry requirements are subject specific, please look through our website for more information. Specific information can be found under Sixth Form and in Choosing courses. Details are here

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices

Topics Year 12:

Foundations in biology (Cell structure, biological molecules, nucleic acids and enzymes, cell division, protein synthesis and cellular organisation)

Energy transfer between organisms (Photosynthesis, respiration and ecosystems)

The immune system (Communication disease, disease prevention, the immune system and HIV)

Topics Year 13:

Exchange and transport (Gas exchanges in different organisms and mass transport of blood in animals and sugars/water in plant

Communications, homeostasis and energy (Human nervous and hormonal systems, excretion, plant and animal responses, and respiration)

Genetics, evolution and ecosystems (Cellular control, patterns of inheritance, manipulating genomes, cloning, biotechnology, ecosystems, populations and sustainability)

Practical endorsement: All of the topics are combined with practical skills and these skills will be developed throughout the course. Students will be required to complete a portfolio of a minimum of 12 practical tasks during the 2 year course for which they will awarded pass or fail. Example of tasks include: microscopy, dissection, sampling techniques, using a colorimeter, chromatography, microbiological techniques, and measuring animal responses. 15% of the marks at A level will awarded through practical task based questions in the examination papers.

Paper 1–2hrs (35%) Biological molecules, Cells, Organisms and exchange, genetic information, variation and exchange with the environment. Practical skills.

Paper 2 -2hrs (35%)Energy transfer, Organisms responding to the environment, Genetic populations, evolution and ecosystems, the control of gene expression. Practical skills.

Paper 3 –2hrs (30%) Synoptic.

- Inquisitive, interested in life and how living things ‘work’.
- Numerate, confident in handling numbers and statistics and ideally able to communicate well (orally and written).
- Prepared to work hard and learn lots of new information.
- Must be able to apply information learnt to new problems.
- Must be able to work independently and in groups.

- APS 5.5

- At least 6+ in at least 2 sciences at GCSE, included those to be studied at A level

If you select Biology, you must also study at least one subject from: Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics or Psychology

Agriculture, Environment, Microbiology, Animal Science, Food & Brewing, Nature Reserves/Parks, Biochemistry, Forensic Science, Pharmacology, Biotechnology, Forestry, Pharmacy, Genetics, Psychology, Conservation, Health, Sports Science, Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary/Zoology, Nutrition/Dietetics, Physiotherapy, Scientific Journalism.