Group 4 IB Biology HL Level 3

Applications Open: - 21st November 2025

Applications Close: - 18th January 2026

Entry Requirements: - A minimum point score of 52 for their best 8 subjects. Students should have a level 5 or above in English and Mathematics. They should have a least a 7 in their proposed IB Diploma higher level subjects. If Mathematics is proposed at higher level, the GCSE mathematics grade must be 8.

How to Apply:

External students - please apply via Applicaa from 21st November 2025, a link will be available on the school website from this date.

Internal students – there is no need to make a formal application.

For the course content, assessment and where the chosen course will lead, please see our website link here Sixth Form Diploma Guide 2022

For our Admissions Policy, University Destinations and Exam Results click here

Assessment: Higher Level

Component

Overall (%)

Duration

Format and syllabus coverage

Paper 1

20

1

40 multiple-choice questions (15 common to SL plus around five more on the core and about 20 more on the Higher level syllabus)

Paper 2

36

2.25

Section A: One data-based question and several short-answer questions on the core and AHL (all compulsory). Section B: TWO extended ?response question on the core and AHL (from a choice of four)

Paper 3

24

1.25

Several short-answer questions on the compulsory practical work and then additional short-answer and extended response questions on the studied option (all compulsory)

Practical work is an integral part of IB Biology: it is internally assessed and this accounts for 20% of the examination.

Through studying Biology, students should become aware of how scientists work and

communicate with each other. While the ?scientific method? may take on a wide variety of forms, it is the emphasis on a practical approach through experimental work that distinguishes the group 4 subjects from other disciplines and characterises each of the subjects within group 4. Many of the students who study Biology at Higher Level go on to study a Biology related course at university. These include Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Biochemistry, Genetics, Physiotherapy and many others. Standard level students are enriching their scientific general knowledge for life.