Biology

You will be expected to have achieved at least a Level 5 in Biology or Combined Science GCSE.

There are six key concept areas that you will study:

• Cells as the units of life
• Biochemical processes
• DNA, the molecule of heredity
• Natural selection
• Organisms in their environment
• Observation and experiment

AS Level Biology is assessed by 3 external examinations.

Paper 1 - Multiple Choice, (1 hour 15 min exam), 15.5% of the overall grade.
Paper 2 - AS Level Structured Questions, (1 hour 15 min exam), 23% of the overall grade.
Paper 3 - Advanced Practical Skills, (2 hour exam), 11.5% of the overall grade.

A Level Biology is assessed by 5 external examinations. The three papers are based on AS only content, plus 2 more papers which are based on content from the whole 2 years.

Paper 4 - A Level Structured Questions, (2 hour exam), 38.5% of the overall grade.
Paper 5 - Planning, Analysis and Evaluation (1 hour 15 min exam) 11.5% of the overall grade.

Students go on to be some of the most important people in our society such as Research scientists, doctors and veterinary professionals.