Application Instructions
*IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM THE MARSH ACADEMY FOR SEPTEMBER 2024 APPLICATIONS*
Applications Open: - 24 November 2023
Applications Close: - 24 May 2024
Entry Requirements: - Students wishing to study 3 Level 3 courses will be required to achieve 5+ GCSEs at grade 5 and above including English and Mathematics. However, some subjects have additional requirements in terms of the grades required. The Marsh Academy operates a sliding scale of qualifications which are outlined on the Marsh Academy website. There is scope for students to study 2 Level 3 subjects and also studying some Level 2 subjects. Students who wish to study two subjects must have attained 4+GCSEs at grade 5 or above.
How to Apply: - Please apply via Kent Choices
Open Event: - 23 November 2023 18:00
Course Summary
The A Level Biology qualification is a two year course, following the Edexcel GCE qualification. A range of topics are followed, with the aim of developing essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject and how they relate to each other, competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem-solving skills and an understanding of how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society.
Course Details
This paper will examine the following topics:
● Topic 1: Biological Molecules
● Topic 2: Cells, Viruses and Reproduction of Living Things
● Topic 3: Classification and Biodiversity
● Topic 4: Exchange and Transport
● Topic 5: Energy for Biological Processes
● Topic 6: Microbiology and Pathogens
● Topic 7: Modern Genetics.
How will it be delivered and assessed?
The qualification is assessed through three externally set papers and a set of core experiments. The qualification is designed to permit access to further higher qualifications, or the workplace at higher levels of competence.
Paper 1: Advanced Biochemistry, Microbiology and Genetics
Paper 2: Advanced Physiology, Evolution and Ecology
Paper 3: General and Practical Principles in Biology
Entry requirements
Students must achieve a minimum of 5 GCSEs grade 5 or above including English. Students must also achieve grade 7,7 in Combined Science or 6, 7,7, in Triple Science, and a grade 6 in GCSE Mathematics.
Equipment required
No specialist equipment required
Your next steps...
Biology studied at A-level is essential for further studies at University of the pure Science or related areas, similarly for many technical apprenticeships. Like all of the Sciences, Biology is not an easy option and success is more likely if there is a reason to follow this at post 16. Before opting to follow a Science at A-level, prospective candidates are strongly encouraged to check with future institutions as to their entry requirements, to ensure that the correct A-levels at post 16 have been selected. For instance, should you wish to be a doctor, chemistry is more important than biology as far as most centres are
concerned.
Additional information
For more courses like this, check our courses page.
