Biology A level (AQA)

Applications Open: 27/11/25

Applications Close: 31/01/26

Entry Requirements: 4 GCSE passes at grade 6 or above including grade 5s in Maths and either English Literature or Language.

How to Apply: Online application using Applicca - https://rochestergrammarschool.applicaa.com/applicaa.com/Year12

1. Biological molecules

2. Cells

3. Organisms exchange substances with their environment

4. Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms

5. Energy transfers in and between organisms

6. Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments

7. Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems

8. The control of gene expression

Paper 1:

Content: Topics 1-4, including any relevant practical skills

Length: 2 hours (91 marks)

Weighting: 35% of A-level

Questions: 76 marks of short and long answer questions, and 15 marks of extended response questions

Paper 2:

Content: Topics 5-8, including any relevant practical skills

Length: 2 hours (91 marks)

Weighting: 35% of A-level

Questions: 76 marks of short and long answer questions, and a 15-mark comprehension question

Paper 3:

Content: Topics 1-8, including any relevant practical skills

Length: 2 hours (78 marks)

Weighting: 30% of A-level

Questions: 38 marks of structured questions, including practical techniques, 15 marks of critical analysis of given experimental data, and a 25 mark synoptic essay (from a choice of two)

Practical assessment:

12 required practical activities, covering a range of skills and keeping an appropriate record of this work. Teachers assess students against 11 common practical assessment criteria, which are met to achieve an overall ‘pass’ grade.

7 in Biology or 7-7 in Combined Science

6 in Mathematics