Biology

Assessment

Practical assessments are divided into those that can be assessed in written exams and those that can only be directly assessed whilst students are carrying out experiments. A-level grades will be based only on marks from written exams. A separate endorsement of practical skills will be taken alongside the A-level. This will be assessed by teachers and will be based on direct observation of students’ competency in a range of skills that are not assessable in written exams. Internal exams will be sat at the end of the first year, covering units 1 – 4 and the practical skills for the Biology course. At the end of the second year, students will sit three external exams, each 2 hours in length. These 3 papers will assess topics from the first and second year of the course, including relevant practical skills.