Biology A Level
King Ecgbert
Totley Brook Road, Sheffield, S17 3QU
Available start dates
Available start dates
Course Summary
Course Description
Studying biology will enable you to find out why your siblings look like you do, find out how medicines work, what DNA is, whether clones really exist, and who Darwin was, for example. We hope that the course will promote curiosity, develop your understand of complex biological ideas and inspire the new generation of biologists.
Further Information about our courses including results
•The biology department at KES achieve excellent results year after year!
Students who study A Level Biology at King Ecgbert School achieve approximately 2/3 of a grade higher than the national average (Comparing students with similar GCSE grades) which results in a consistently high proportion of students achieving A*-B.
• Scarborough field trip – Our annual, very successful Ecology field course that provides students with valuable life experience, as well as practical skills required for their practical endorsement qualification.
• We run the Biology Olympiad (and Intermediate Biology Olympiad) every year for students who would like to enter and compete nationally. This looks great on UCAS applications.
• Biology support is available every day. Please email your biology teacher or Mrs Birds to arrange a suitable time for 1-to-1 support.
Course Details
Course Content and Teaching Units
Modules 1-4 will be taught in Y12. Modules 5-6 are taught in Y13 (starting after summer mocks), however all modules are revisited as exams are linear.
• Module 1- Development of practical skills in biology
• Module 2 – Foundations in biology
• Module 3- Exchange and transport
• Module 4- Biodiversity, evolution and disease
• Module 5- Communication, homeostasis and energy
• Module 6- Genetics, evolution and ecosystems
Financial Information
Approximately £150 will be required in the autumn term of Y13 to cover the cost of the biology field course to Scarborough, however in the event of genuine financial hardship we may be able to provide assistance.
Revision guides are provided; however, we ask for a £10 deposit per book which is refunded when returned at the end of the two year course.
Revision workbooks will also be provided free of charge to support learning during the additional independent study sessions.
How will it be delivered and assessed?
Throughout Y12 you will sit the following mock examinations:
Paper:-
February - Mixture of questions
Structure:-
Covers content in modules 1, 2 and elements of 3 and 4. Multiple choice and written responses.
What is it worth?
100% of mock
Paper:-
May - Mixture of questions
Structure:-
Covers content in modules 1-4. Multiple choice and written responses.
What is it worth?
100% of mock
At the end of Y13 you will sit the following external examinations:
Paper:-
Paper 1- Biological principles
Structure:-
This paper will assess content from modules 1, 2, 3 and 5
What is it worth?
37% of your overall A level qualification
Paper:-
Paper 2- Biological diversity
Structure:-
This paper will assess content from modules 1, 2, 4 and 6
What is it worth:-
37% of your overall A level qualification
Paper:-
Paper 3- Unified biology
Structure:-
This paper will assess content from all modules (1-6)
What is it worth?
26% of your overall A level qualification
Practical skills will be assessed throughout both years and evidence for this will be recorded in a lab book – this is the evidence required for the practical endorsement certificate. Practical skills will also be assessed in the final A level examinations.
Entry requirements
6 in Biology or 7-7 in combined if studied and grade 5 or above in Maths. If you do not achieve a 7-7 but sat the higher tier, we will review your individual papers. We will accept if percentages are equivalent to a 6-6 in the subject you wish to study*
* Results breakdown from exam board/feeder school needed.
Summer 2026 grade boundaries will be used.
Your next steps...
A Level Biology is clearly a specialised science qualification, thus providing an excellent foundation for further study of Medicine, Veterinary Science, Biotechnology, Physiotherapy, Microbiology, Sports Science, and all aspects of Biology.
Additional information
For more courses like this, check our courses page.
