Biology A Level 3

Applications Open: - 8th October 2025

Applications Close:- 20th August 2026

How to Apply: - Please contact The Skinners’ School directly to apply. We do not accept applications via KentChoices

Please see here for more information about our Sixth Form and to complete an application form.

The course helps students to develop a greater understanding of biological facts, together with an appreciation of their significance in new and changing situations, and the responsible use of Biology in society. Students also develop greater expertise in practical work, and develop links between theory and experimental work. The course will appeal to those who have an interest in living organisms, who enjoy laboratory and fieldwork, and who may be interested in a career in Science, or using Biology to support other qualifications such as Food Technology or Geography.

• Content for the whole A level 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

At AS level there are 2 papers which can assess any content from modules 1-4

· Paper 1 “Breadth in Biology” has 2 sections. Section A is multiple choice questions worth 20 marks and section B structured questions on theory and practical skills worth 50 marks

· Paper 2 “Depth in Biology” is structured questions and extended response questions, covering theory and practical skills worth 70 marks

At A level there are 3 papers:

· Paper1 assesses modules 1, 2, 3 and 5 (Papers 1&2 have multiple choice and structured questions)

· Paper 2 assesses modules 1, 2, 4 and 6.

· Paper 3 assesses all modules. This has structured questions and extended response questions

• There is also a non-exam practical component which is assessed within school

• Module 1 covers: Skills of planning, implementing analysis and evaluation of practical investigations

• Module 2 covers: Cell structure, Biological molecules, Cell division and Cellular organisation

Module 3 covers: Exchange surfaces, Transport in plants, Transport in animals.

Module 4 covers: Communicable diseases – prevention and the immune system, Biodiversity,

Classification and evolution

Module 5 covers: Communication and homeostasis, Excretion, Neuronal communication, Hormonal communication, Plant and animal responses, Photosynthesis, Respiration.

Module 6 covers: Cellular control, Inheritance, Manipulating genomes, Cloning and biotechnology, Ecosystems, Populations and sustainability

• An average grade of 48 points over your best 8 GCSEs, normally including Maths, English, Science and a modern Foreign Language (where 58=A*, 52=A, 46=B and 40=C; in Maths and English 9 = 60 points, 8 = 54, 7 = 50 etc.)
• At least an A grade at GCSE in the following subjects, in order to study that subject at A level: Maths, Physics, Chemistry, French and German.
• At least grade 4 in English Language and Maths at GCSE.

An A Level qualification in Biology could prepare you to study Biology or one of the Biological Sciences in Further or Higher Education. There is a great range of courses on offer, some being quite specialised while others are very broad allowing you to delay your decision to specialise. Biology at A Level provides a good foundation for courses in medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, animal health, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, genetics, environmental science, geography, geology, agriculture, plant science and many others.