St Peter's RC High School and Sixth Form Centre

Biology

  • Type of Qualification A Level
  • Exam Board AQA
  • Recommended Entry Requirements 5 GCSEs at level 5 or above including two 6s in Combined Science, or two 6s and a 5 in Triple Science (including a 6 in Biology) 5 in English, and 6 in Maths

What you'll study

Examination: Students will sit 3 A level exam papers at the end of year 13

Students will be taught by two A level Biology specialists across year 12 and 13. In year 12 students will learn Biological Molecules; Cells; Exchanging substances and Genetics. Students will build on this in year 13 and learn Energy transfer between organisms; Responding to changes in the Environment; Populations and Ecosystems and Genetic Technologies.

Alongside the lesson material students will also complete 12 required practicals to obtain their ‘Practical Skills Mastery Certificate’. This will be assessed and certified by the class teacher and practical theory questions will be examined in the final exams.

It is expected that students will complete a minimum of 1.5 hours of Uplearn a week alongside their studying in school. Students should also expect regular key word checks and end of topic tests.

What you'll love

 Biology A-level is a popular and exciting course with many interesting modules. There are many opportunities for practical work to help put the theory into life. You will learn new skills in microbiology, dissections and microscope techniques that are very applicable to many science courses at university. Students will have lots of opportunities to develop their critical thinking skills and curiosity which are essential skills for university. Lots of our students feel inspired by A level Biology and go into medicine; dentistry and careers in marine biology.

 Biology Specification