A-Level Programme - Biology

You will study:

• Biological molecules

• Cells exchange and transport and biodiversity

• Energy transfers in and between organisms

• How organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environment

• Genetics

• Populations and evolution systems and control of gene expression

For the generic A-Level Programme you will need:

• GCSE grade 4 or above in English Language and Maths, plus at least 3 more GCSEs at grade 5 or above

For this specific A-Level you will need

• GCSE grade 4 and above in English Language, Grade 6 or above in Biology (6-5 in Combined Science) and Maths and at least 2 others at grade 5 or above

Full-time courses at the college are generally 3-4 days per week (you may be in an extra day if you are resitting English and/or Maths). All students are expected to complete study hours in the Learning Resource Centre and at least 30 hours work experience on top of their college hours.

* Certain courses may have additional costs to cover trips or DBS checks, and for some courses you will be expected to purchase additional items such as uniform or equipment.

Fee information

Though this course is free for those aged 16-18, there may be additional fees related to the programme, such as additional equipment or uniform, trips, DBS checks and work placement costs. Further information will be sent to all applicants before enrolment.

Find all the information you need about course fees and financial help below.

Information on Fees and Financial Help

Learners with an active Education, Health & Care Plan

If you are aged 19 - 24 at the start of your course and have an active Education, Health & Care Plan (EHCP), any course up to and including level 3 will be fully-funded by the government. This means you will not have a course fee to pay and any equipment considered essential to complete your course will be provided by the college.

What qualification will I achieve?

AQA A-Level in Biology

How is my course assessed?

The course is taught in theory and practical sessions for 4.5 hours per week.

Students are expected to complete independent study tasks outside of the lessons on a weekly basis. Various teaching methods are used throughout the course. Practical laboratory sessions are particularly important and the development of investigative skills is fostered.

The written examination includes questions on experimental work and handling of data from experiments. All exams are taken at the end of the second year of study.

Exam information

Paper 1 lasts 2 hours, 35% of the marks. Short and long response written questions with one extended response question. Paper 2 lasts 2 hours, 35% of the marks. Short and long response written questions with one comprehension question. Paper 3 lasts 2 hours, 30% of the marks. Structured questions including practical techniques, critical analysis of experimental data and one essay question.