There are 2 days of compulsory fieldwork. These will cover part of the practical endorsement for the subject. Therefore, it is essential that all candidates participate in the field trips which may take place out of school time. Students will be required to pay for excursions. You should have a broad interest in the subject and the specific topic areas, and keep yourself informed of current biological advancements. Background reading is imperative. To be a successful Biologist you need to: Be inquisitive, persevere when things get challenging, be hard-working, have confidence in your scientific ability, be able to be creative and “think outside the box”, be sceptical yet open-minded and consider morals and ethics surrounding certain aspects of the course. In addition to this, a good biologist should listen to others' views and examine them thoroughly, be excellent at organising their notes, work efficiently and manage their time effectively. The CGP ‘Head Start to A level Biology’ guide (approx. £4.95) may be of interest for those wishing to bridge the gap between GCSE and A level.