Qualification: A-level

Exam Board: AQA

Entry Requirements: Grade 6 or above in GCSE Maths and Grade 6 or above in GCSE Biology or Grade 6-6 or above in GCSE Combined Science.

 

Watch our video about Biology A-level

 

Hands-on lessons taught by subject specialists

Biology A-level will give you the skills to make connections and associations with all living things around you. Biology literally means the study of life and if that's not important, what is? Being such a broad topic, you're bound to find a specific area of interest, plus it opens the door to a fantastic range of interesting careers.

With extremely strong results over the past decade our Biology Department brings a passion and commitment that provokes very positive feedback from students.

Our teaching staff are specialists in biology, aiming to inspire all students to enjoy their subject and achieve their best, regardless of ability. High quality marking and feedback support students’ progress.

We have excellent practical resources and technical support, allowing teachers to incorporate practical work into lessons whenever possible–well beyond the ‘required practicals’ of the curriculum.

We consistently support students to achieve excellent outcomes which resulted in amazing 2022 exams results, 80.7% of students achieving A*, A or B (61.4% gaining A* or A). Our experienced team have the confidence to guide students in both exam preparation and planning their next steps.

 

The course

In the first year of A-level you will learn about biological molecules, cells, how organisms exchange substances with their environment and genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms. In the second year of A-level you study energy transfers in and between organisms, how organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments, then genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems and the control of gene expression.

 

Beyond the classroom

Past activities have included:

• Intermediate Biology and Biology Olympiad competition.
• Science Week–wide range of speakers, competitions and events.
• Regular MedSoc meetings.
• ‘Student of the half term’– rewards system to recognise and celebrate achievements and progress of all students.
• High quality textbooks available to students to help with independent work.
• One day of field work.

 

Progression

Our students progress onto a very broad range of science-related courses at universities across the country, including those deemed to be ‘prestigious’. We routinely expect successful applications to study courses at Oxbridge and entry onto courses leading to careers in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, natural sciences, psychology, nursing and midwifery, biomedical science, physiotherapy and research.

Some will also go onto non-science related courses and careers–such as Law– where their achievements in science A-levels have served to develop key skills such as problem-solving and critical thinking. Many undergraduate courses see that successful science A-level students will have excellent study skills and the ability to rise to academic challenge beyond school.