The Biology A-Level Course prepares students for the Pearson Edexcel Biology A-Level (9BN0) Specification.
The Biology A-level is assessed by three written exam papers and an optional practical endorsement:
- Paper 1: The Natural Environment and Species Survival
This paper is 2 hours and is 100 marks in total (33.33% of the total A Level).
This paper will examine the following topics: Lifestyle, Health and Risk; Genes and Health; Voice of the Genome; Biodiversity and Natural Resources; On the Wild Side; and Immunity, Infection and Forensics.
- Paper 2: Energy, Exercise and Co-ordination
This paper is 2 hours and is 100 marks in total (33.33% of the total A Level).
This paper will examine the following topics: Lifestyle, Health and Risk; Genes and Health; Voice of the Genome; Biodiversity and Natural Resources; Run for your Life; and Grey Matter.
- Paper 3: General and Practical Applications in Biology
This paper is 2 hours and is 100 marks in total (33.33% of the total A Level).
This paper will include questions from multiple topics and a scientific article will be pre-released 8 weeks before the examination.
The exams are written, with no practical element, but throughout the exam you will be expected to use your understanding of practical theory which are gained through the 18 core practicals detailed within the course.
Science Practical Endorsement:
The Biology A-level specification also assesses practical skills through a practical endorsement. This assessment leads to a statement of "practical competency” which will be reported alongside the grade on the final A-level certificate. The grade will be listed as "Pass”.
The Biology A-Level has 10 assignments for learners to complete. The practical elements are assessed throughout the assignments, and the course materials include videos and advice on how to complete "at-home experiments" to develop their practical science skills.