Biology

Students applying to study A Level biology must have achieved a grade 7 in GCSE Combined Science, or at least a grade 6 in GCSE biology if doing Triple Science. 

Full A level

In a change from previous years, to complete the full A level in Biology students must complete six modules and be assessed on all six at the end of two years of study – i.e. in Year 13. The A Level is no longer formed of ‘AS’ plus ‘A2’.

AS level

Students can choose to study Biology for just one year (modules 1-4) and complete the relevant exams (two exams, each of an hour and a half) to attain an AS Level in Biology.

All four modules will be assessed on both papers, which is a significant change from previous courses.

Year 12 content

Module 1 – Development of Practical Skills in Biology

The content of this module is taught in the context of the biological content of other modules, because practical skills are developed when learning other topics. This module is designed to develop the skills of planning, implementing practical methods, analysis of results and evaluation. Evaluating methods and interpreting results of practical investigations will feature on exam papers; furthermore, practical skills will be assessed by the teacher throughout the course and students receive a pass/fail practical certificate alongside their grade at the end (this is for full A Level Biology only).

Module 2 – Foundations in Biology

This module presents the basic units from which all living organisms are formed: biological molecules and cells. Students learn the chemistry of biological systems and develop their understanding of cells far beyond GCSE level.

Module 3 – Exchange and Transport

In this module, students learn how animals and plants exchange substances with their environment, both chemicals essential for survival and chemicals that need eliminating as wastes. The module also covers the transport systems of animals and plants, including the fascinating study of the human circulatory system.

Module 4 – Biodiversity, Evolution and Disease

Biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms on our planet and in specific habitats. Students study the importance of biodiversity and how it can be measured, as well as how the millions of species on Earth have evolved from a common ancestor. In the disease section of the module, students learn how communicable diseases are transmitted and how the human body, and indeed plants, can defend themselves against the pathogens that cause them.

Y13 content

Students who choose to study Biology to A level will complete two years of study and will be assessed on their learning across those two years at the end of Year 13. All content, right from the start of Year 12, will be assessed at this time – this is often referred to as a ‘linear’ course (rather than the previous ‘modular’ course).  In addition to the four modules described above, students complete two further modules that stretch the content to higher levels.

Module 5 – Communications, Homeostasis and Energy

Organisms larger than a single cell must develop systems of communication between different body parts if the system is to be maintained in a steady state. This is the importance of the themes of communication and homeostasis in Biology: both are truly vital for survival. Similarly, systems to produce food using sunlight energy and systems to release the energy stored in foods are essential for life on Earth.  Thus students learn the biochemistry of photosynthesis and respiration in this module.

Module 6 – Genetics, Evolution and Ecosystems

Students explore the role of genes in producing characteristics in living organisms, and how genes can change, appear or disappear over time, leading to the production of new species and, indeed, extinction of species. This module also delves into the incredible array of genetic manipulation techniques now possible, before moving onto the impact of human beings on ecosystems around the globe.

Assessment of AS Biology

Students complete two written papers, both lasting 1 hour 30 minutes.  They are entitled ‘Breadth in Biology’ and ‘Depth in Biology’, and are equally weighted.  Both papers will assess content from all four AS modules, including the practical skills module 1.

Assessment of A Level Biology

There are three written papers to assess A level Biology.  ‘Biological Processes’ and ‘Biological Diversity’ are each 2 hours 15 minutes, and each account for 37% of the A Level.  The former assesses modules 1, 2, 3 and 5.  The latter assesses content in modules 1, 2, 4 and 6.  The third exam is called ‘Unified Biology’, and lasts for 1 hour 30 minutes.  This accounts for the remaining 26% of the A level.  The practical skills of students are assessed throughout the course, leading to a separate certificate called ‘Practical Endorsement in Biology’ – this is simply pass/fail depending on skills shown throughout the course.