Biology

Assessment

These topics are assessed across 3 papers: Paper 1 assesses the following topics, covered in Year 12: • Biological molecules • Cells • How organisms exchange substances with their environment • Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms Paper 2 assesses the following topics, covered in Year 13: • Energy transfers in and between organisms • Responding to changes in the internal and external environment • Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems • The control of gene expression Paper 3 assesses content from across all topics and includes a synoptic essay question that requires students to draw upon their understanding of biology as a whole. In addition to these three main components, the course includes a practical element throughout. Practical skills are developed and assessed, both in written examinations and through a separate endorsement. This practical endorsement, awarded separately from the A level grade, recognises students’ competency in a range of practical techniques and your ability to plan and execute experiments accurately.