Biology A Level 3
Oakwood Park Grammar School
Oakwood Park, MAIDSTONE, ME16 8AH
Available start dates
Available start dates
Application Instructions
For students applying from other schools please see the information below.
For existing students at OPGS - you will be applying internally and will receive separate instructions
Applications Open - 11th December 2025
Applications Close - 30th January 2026
Entry Requirements:-
Students achieving a minimum of at least six GCSEs (9 – 5) of which at least four are at a grade 6 (or equivalent).
In addition, students must meet subject entry requirements, which in most cases require a minimum of Grade 6 in the subject to be studied, or related subjects. Some subjects will require a grade 7 or higher. Please see school website (https://www.opgs.org) for entry requirements needed for individual A level subjects.
Students must also achieve a minimum of a grade 5 in English Language and Mathematics.
Typically, we would expect students following essay-based subjects to gain at least a grade 6 in English Language and students following scientific courses to gain at least a grade 7 in Mathematics.
The school shall determine which grades at 6 are required when A level subjects requested have not been taken at GCSE Level.
Priority will be given to existing pupils transferring from Year 11 who meet the entrance criteria
How to Apply
Students should select three or four A level subjects and include a 4th/5th as a reserve subjects. Please list your subjects in priority order and indicate which is your reserve choice.
Subject Choice
In choosing your subjects for A level you need to find out about the syllabus, examination requirements, coursework and the approach to study. Choose subjects that interest you and think carefully about the range and combination of subjects you would like to study. You may also wish to consider requirements for Higher Education or career paths.
Students should also note that the school cannot guarantee courses will run if there are not enough applicants. It is also possible that, in some subjects, numbers will have to be limited.
Course Summary
This is a linear course which will be assessed at the end of two years of study. The course is designed to;
• develop knowledge and understanding
• develop skills, knowledge and understanding of scientific methods
• develop competence and confidence in a variety of practical and problem-solving skills
• develop an interest in further study and careers associated with the subject
• understand how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society
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Course Details
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, Respiration.
Module 6 – Genetics, Evolution and Ecosystems
Cellular control, Patterns of inheritance, Manipulating genomes, Cloning and biotechnology, Ecosystems, Populations and sustainability.
How will it be delivered and assessed?
Students are assessed by end of term tests, independent work, practical work and homework.
External Assessment
• Paper 1 – Biological Processes covering modules 1, 2, 3 and 5. Multiple choice, structured questions and extended response. 2 ¼ hours. 37% weighting.
• Paper 2 – Biological Diversity covering modules 1, 2, 4 and 6. Multiple choice, structured questions and extended response. 2 ¼ hours. 37% weighting.
• Paper 3 – Unified Biology covering modules 1-6. Structured questions and extended response. 1 1/2 hours. 26% weighting.
Candidates complete a minimum of 12 practical activities to demonstrate practical competence with performance reported separately to the A Level grade
Entry requirements
Six 9-5 GCSE grades with at least four at grade 6
A minimum of a grade 5 in English Language and Mathematics
Grade 7 in GCSE Biology or 6-7 in Double Science GCSE
Typically, we would expect students following essay-based subjects to gain at least a grade 6 in English Language and students following scientific courses to gain at least a grade 7 in Mathematics.
Your next steps...
You could take this course with other Advanced level courses, which overlap with Biology such as Chemistry, Physics, Geography or more general subjects that may not relate to the sciences, to prepare for higher education. With further training, you could go into a job related to Biology or one of the other sciences including Doctor, Nurse, Scientist or Marine Biologist. The course will also help you to develop the basic skills, understanding and knowledge that many employers across lots of industries are looking for.
Additional information
For more courses like this, check our courses page.