Biology A level

Sixth Form Applications – Important Information

Our main Sixth Form application window has now closed; however, you can still submit an application. We will continue to consider late applications and all applicants will be invited to interview.

Due to high levels of demand, we may not be able to make offers for some subjects at this stage. Applicants will be contacted once places can be confirmed; this may not be possible until GCSE results day when we will have a clearer understanding of available capacity.

A LEVEL AND LEVEL 3 QUALIFICATIONS

To gain a place on this course students will ideally have at least grade 4 in both English Language and Mathematics and at least three other GCSEs, or equivalent Level 2 qualifications, at grade 5 or above. Some subjects also have additional entry requirements.

All students are to choose 3 subjects from 3 different blocks. Further Mathematics may be taken as a fourth choice.

LEVEL 2 QUALIFICATIONS

Subjects have individual entry requirements.

Students only need to apply for either Bricklaying or Hairdressing.

BIOLOGY

Year 12 and Year 13 A Level Biology: Course Overview

Biology A Level is split into eight modules: Modules 1 to 8, combined with Required Practicals, constitutes the full A Level. The modules can be summarised as:

Module1—4 (Year 12):

1—Biological molecules

2— Cells

3—Organisms exchange substances with their environment

4—Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms

Module 5—6 (Year 13):

5—Energy transfers in and between organisms

6—Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environment

7— Genetics, populations, evolution

8—The control of gene expression

At A Level:

Paper 1 assesses content from Modules 1—4 and includes short and long answer questions as well as extended response questions. It constitutes 35% of the A-level.

Paper 2 assesses content from Modules 5—8 and includes short and long answer questions as well as comprehension questions. It constitutes 35% of the A-level

Paper 3 assesses the content from all modules and includes structured questions, critical analysis of data and a 25 mark essay question.

Required Practicals include a portfolio of practical work collected by the student over the 2 year of study. Practical skill questions are assessed in all 3 papers.

Subject Specific Requirements

Grade 6 in Biology /Combined Science and Grade 5 in Mathematics

Future Applications

An A-level in Biology is the starting point for a wide variety of career choices including: medicine, veterinary science, microbiology, sports science, nursing and research.