Biology A Level

Admission is based solely on actual GCSE results. No conditional offers will be made in advance of GCSE results day.

Applications to join Year 12 should be made on GCSE results day in August 2026 by 12pm.

Students applying after this deadline will be eligible to join the school if they meet the criteria and there are places still available in Year 12 on the courses they wish to follow.

Entry Requirements: - All students joining Year 12 will have achieved:

• A minimum of 52 points across 8 GCSE subjects;

• A minimum of grade 5 in Mathematics and English Language or English Literature;

• The subject requirements for the A Level subjects to be studied.

All A Level courses have specific requirements related to course content. Please refer to the detailed information for each course.

It is important to take time to read the individual course requirements and specifications.

How to Apply: - Please apply via our school website: www.dartfordgrammargirls.org.uk on GCSE results day in August 2026 by 12pm.

We are not accepting applications via KentChoices.

Please check our school website for more details.

Biology (OCR)

Advanced Biology is suitable for anyone thinking of a career in Science, the Environment, Medicine, Nutrition or Laboratory work. At least 10% of the A Level covers mathematical skills. Studying a second science or mathematics would be an advantage. We will be following the OCR Biology A specification which is a traditional content led approach. The specification is divided into 6 modules, each covering different key concepts of Biology. Teaching of practical skills is integrated with the theoretical topics and they're assessed through the written papers. The Practical Endorsement will also support the development of practical skills. At least 10% of the question paper assessment covers mathematical skills at higher tier GCSE Mathematics (4-9) with some skills as AS/A Level standard.

Each set will be taught by two members of staff who will divide the specification between them on a topic basis. A wide variety of teaching methods will be employed.

Module 1: Development of practical skills in Biology

Skills of planning, implementing, analysis and evaluation.

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 and Respiration.

Module 6: Genetics, evolution and ecosystems

Cellular control, Patterns of inheritance, Manipulating genomes, Cloning and biotechnology, Ecosystems, Populations and sustainability.

Ecosystems, Populations and sustainability.

Paper 1: 2 hours 15 minutes assessment (worth 37% of the A Level)

Paper 2: 2 hours 15 minutes assessment (worth 37% of the A Level)

Paper 3: 1 hour 30 minutes assessment (worth 26% of the A Level)

Grade 7 in Biology or Grade 7/7 in the Biology components of Double Science Award.

Biology, Applied Biology, Marine Biology, Plant Biology (Botany), Zoology, Genetics, Environmental Studies, Biogeography, Equine Studies, Sport Science, Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Radiography, Optometry, Veterinary Studies, Environmental Health, Nutrition, Forensic Science. Most of these courses require a second Science or Mathematics if studied to degree level.