Biology A Level

Board: OCR

You need 6/6 in Combined Science GCSE, or a 6 in Biology and one other Science. You will need a grade 5 in Maths GCSE.

Biology is divided into topics, each covering different key concepts of biology. Teaching of practical skills is integrated with the theoretical topics and they are assessed through the written papers and the Practical Endorsement, which supports the development of practical skills. The content is split into six teaching modules. Modules 1 to 6, combined with the Practical Endorsement, constitute the full A Level.

You will sit three exams at the end of Year 13. Paper 1 assesses content from Modules 1, 2, 3 and 5. Paper 2 assesses content from Modules 1, 2, 4 and 6. Paper 3 assesses content from Modules 1 to 6. You will also need to complete all the practical assessments.

Module 1: Development of Practical Skills in Biology – this module underpins the whole of the specification, and covers the practical skills that students should develop throughout the course. The practical skills in this module will be assessed within written examinations. Successful completion of the required practical assessments will be separately certificated with the Practical Endorsement. 

Module 2: Foundations in Biology – covering key concepts required throughout the remaining modules.

Module 3: Exchange and Transport 

Module 4: Biodiversity, Evolution and Disease 

Module 5: Communication, Homeostasis and Energy

Module 6: Genetics, Evolution and Ecosystems

Biology has scientific, social and environmental application and relevance, and therefore complements a wide range of academic and vocational subjects. Biology provides an excellent base from which to develop key skills in communication, application of number and ICT.

Biology A Level qualifications allow for progression to higher education in a wide range of courses and provides a range of skills appropriate for employment in many different fields.

For more information about the course, please see Mrs Sutliff or Mrs Moffett