The AQA specification builds on the knowledge, understanding, and skills you will have acquired studying GCSE combined science or GCSE biology. It follows a logical sequence of topics including cells and biological molecules through to physiology and ecology, providing a balanced and coherent study of biology, in which principles are developed, revisited, and reinforced throughout the course. The subject content is relevant to real-world experiences and is interesting to learn. AQA biology is a linear course with terminal examinations at the end of the A-level year. There is no coursework on this course. However, your performance during practicals will be assessed. The A-level course has 8 topics: Biological molecules Cells Organisms exchange substances with their environment Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms Energy transfers in and between organisms Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments Genetics, populations, evolution, and ecosystems The control of gene expression An important part of the course will be taught through a three-day residential field course in Anglesey. Practicals: Biology, like all sciences, is a practical subject. Throughout the course, you will carry out practical activities including: Using microscopes to see cell division. Dissection of animal or plant systems. Aseptic technique to study microbial growth. Investigating activity within cells. Investigating animal behaviors. Investigating distributions of species in the environment.
Minimum of five GCSEs (or equivalent) with grades 4-9 (A*-C). This must include at least four full course GCSEs. Minimum of two Grades at 6 in GCSE combined science (dual award) or Grade 6 in GCSE biology and Grade 6 in either GCSE chemistry or physics. In addition a Grade 5 in GCSE mathematics and a Grade 5 in English language or English literature.
There are three exams at the end of the two years, all of which are two hours long. At least 15% of the marks for A-level biology are based on what you learned in your practicals. Paper 1 Any content from topics 1 – 4 including relevant practical skills. Written paper – 2 hours. 91 marks / 35% of the A-level. Paper 2 Any content from topics 5 – 8 including relevant practical skills. Written paper – 2 hours. 91 marks / 35% of the A-level. Paper 3 Any content from topics 1 – 8 including relevant practical skills. Written paper – 2 hours. 78 marks / 30% of the A-level.
About Education Provider
| Region | North West |
| Local Authority | Cheshire East |
| Ofsted Rating | Good |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| Address | Holly Road, Wilmslow, SK9 1LZ |
The AQA specification builds on the knowledge, understanding, and skills you will have acquired studying GCSE combined science or GCSE biology. It follows a logical sequence of topics including cells and biological molecules through to physiology and ecology, providing a balanced and coherent study of biology, in which principles are developed, revisited, and reinforced throughout the course. The subject content is relevant to real-world experiences and is interesting to learn. AQA biology is a linear course with terminal examinations at the end of the A-level year. There is no coursework on this course. However, your performance during practicals will be assessed. The A-level course has 8 topics: Biological molecules Cells Organisms exchange substances with their environment Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms Energy transfers in and between organisms Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments Genetics, populations, evolution, and ecosystems The control of gene expression An important part of the course will be taught through a three-day residential field course in Anglesey. Practicals: Biology, like all sciences, is a practical subject. Throughout the course, you will carry out practical activities including: Using microscopes to see cell division. Dissection of animal or plant systems. Aseptic technique to study microbial growth. Investigating activity within cells. Investigating animal behaviors. Investigating distributions of species in the environment.
Minimum of five GCSEs (or equivalent) with grades 4-9 (A*-C). This must include at least four full course GCSEs. Minimum of two Grades at 6 in GCSE combined science (dual award) or Grade 6 in GCSE biology and Grade 6 in either GCSE chemistry or physics. In addition a Grade 5 in GCSE mathematics and a Grade 5 in English language or English literature.
There are three exams at the end of the two years, all of which are two hours long. At least 15% of the marks for A-level biology are based on what you learned in your practicals. Paper 1 Any content from topics 1 – 4 including relevant practical skills. Written paper – 2 hours. 91 marks / 35% of the A-level. Paper 2 Any content from topics 5 – 8 including relevant practical skills. Written paper – 2 hours. 91 marks / 35% of the A-level. Paper 3 Any content from topics 1 – 8 including relevant practical skills. Written paper – 2 hours. 78 marks / 30% of the A-level.