Other Courses
Biology, A Level
Silverdale School
Bents Crescent, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S11 9HQ
GCE A/AS Level or Equivalent
Level 3
Available start dates
Available start dates
Wednesday, 01 September 2027
Silverdale School
2 Year(s)
Full time
Daytime/working hours
Block C
Available start dates
Wednesday, 01 September 2027
Silverdale School
2 Year(s)
Full time
Daytime/working hours
Block B
Available start dates
Wednesday, 01 September 2027
Silverdale School
2 Year(s)
Full time
Daytime/working hours
Block D
Available start dates
Wednesday, 01 September 2027
Silverdale School
2 Year(s)
Full time
Daytime/working hours
Block A
Application Instructions
Students should ensure that they meet the entry requirements for the courses they are applying for (available on subject pages) as well as the overall entry requirements (5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including Grade 4 Maths, plus Grade 5 English Language. A Grade 5 in English Literature can be accepted instead where a Grade 4 has been achieved in English Language.)
Students need to choose a minimum of three subjects to study, with a maximum of one subject per option block. Please note that all of our BTEC courses are single BTEC's and equivalent to one A Level, you will need to choose two further subjects if choosing a BTEC course.
Please ensure you have put contact details for yourself and a parent should we need to contact you.
Course Summary
Biology A-level will give you the skills to make connections and associations with all living things around you. Biology literally means the study of life and if that’s not important, what is? Being such a broad topic, you’re bound to find a specific area of interest, plus it opens the door to a fantastic range of interesting careers.
We have excellent practical resources and technical support, allowing teachers to incorporate practical work into lessons whenever possible–well beyond the ‘required practicals’ of the curriculum.
With extremely strong results over the past decade our Biology Department brings a passion and commitment that evokes very positive feedback from students. Our teaching staff are specialists in biology, aiming to inspire all students to enjoy their subject and achieve their best, regardless of ability. High quality marking, feedback, exam preparation and planning next steps all support students' progress.
Course Details
The 2 year course covers many aspects of human, animal, plant and cellular Biology including physiology, biochemistry, ecology and genetics. There are also 12 required practicals which are assessed in the exams and allow students to pass the practical endorsement aspect of the course as well as the A-level.
Students will learn about:
- Biological molecules
- Cells
- How organisms exchange substances with their environment
- Genetic information
- Variation
- Relationships between organisms
- Energy transfers in and between organisms
- How organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments
How will it be delivered and assessed?
Paper 1 (topics 1-4) 2 hours 35%
Paper 2 (topics 5-8) 2 hours 35%
Paper 3 (all topics with synoptic essay) 2 hours 30%
Students are assessed for development of practical skills along the way; with a pass/fail at the end. The A-Level exams test these skills, so it also affects the final grade. Students maintain and develop a 'lab book' to show evidence of completion of required practicals and associated skills.
Beyond the classroom:
- Intermediate Biology and Biology Olympiad competition.
- MedSoc
- IRIS enrichment project
- Peer Mentoring
- Science Ambassadors supporting Y7
- ‘Student of the half term’– rewards system to recognise and celebrate achievements and progress of all students.
- High quality textbooks available to students to help with independent work.
- One day of field work.
Entry requirements
- Grade 6 or above in GCSE Maths
- Grade 6 or above in GCSE Biology or Grade 6-6 or above in GCSE Combined Science
- Grade 5 or above GCSE English Language or Literature
You need to be predicted and achieve all the grades listed above in order to undertake this subject.
Equipment required
Scientific Calculator, A4 Lever Arch File, Dividers, Lined Paper, Clear mm Ruler
Your next steps...
Our students progress onto a very broad range of science related courses at universities across the country, including those deemed to be 'prestigious'. Students apply for university courses leading to careers in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, natural sciences, psychology, nursing and midwifery, biomedical science, physiotherapy and research.
Some also go on to non-science related courses and careers such as law where their achievements in science A Levels have served to develop skills such as problem solving and critical thinking.
Additional information
For more courses like this, check our courses page.
