Biology

Assessment

The A-level qualification will involve the study of eight topics as outlined above. Topics 1-4 will be assessed during a two-hour written paper, which will include short and long-answer questions. Topics 5-8 will also be assessed in a two-hour written paper with short and long-answer questions and a comprehension question. A third written paper will assess any content from all eight topics and will include a critical analysis of experimental data and an essay from a choice of two essay titles. As practical work is at the heart of Biology, students will have numerous opportunities to carry out practicals which support the theory. There are twelve required practical activities which will be assessed on the three written papers and there will also be an endorsement of practical skills, which will be teacher-assessed throughout the course. The qualification is linear so students will sit all the A-level examinations at the end of the two-year course.