A-level Biology
at Notre Dame High School, Norwich, Norwich · school or sixth form
What the college says
The AQA Biology A-Level course at Notre Dame is packed full of interesting science. Students will find plenty of topics they already know they like from GCSE, but in more depth (DNA structure, the immune response, control of the heart rate), plenty they did not know they loved yet (the role of microorganisms in ecosystems, sex-linked inheritance, epigenetics and the role of oestrogen in breast cancer) and everything in-between. The breadth of the course prepares students well for any general biological sciences course, but students wanting to study any healthcare courses (medicine, veterinary, dentistry, nursing, physiotherapy and more) will find plenty of human biology to lay an excellent foundation too. Those more interested in the environmental sciences will appreciate the focus on biodiversity, nutrient cycling and succession and our fieldtrip to Holkham beach in the summer of Year 12 is a thoroughly enjoyable introduction to fieldwork for all our students. The biological molecules unit gives students a strong basis in structure and bonding within cells, and the statistics unit is invaluable training for any current university degree where research projects almost always involve statistical understanding. All in all a fantastic course with biology for everyone and a lot of demanding but rewarding practical work which leads to students gaining their Practical Endoresment alongside the A-Level.
What you need to get on
42 points from your best 8 subjects; GCSE Maths and English (Language or Literature) at a minimum of grade 4, in addition to: Grade 6s (12) in Science (if Double) or Grade 6 in Biology (if Triple) and a grade 5 in Maths
How you are assessed
Academic subjects, mostly exams, three or four at once. The traditional route to university.
What this level means
The A-level-equivalent step, and what universities and employers ask for.
Is it open to 16 to 18 year olds?
Approved for 16 to 18 study on the government's Section 96 list.
Where it runs
Notre Dame High School
Surrey Street, Norwich, NR1 3PB
DaytimeClassroom basedCheck the journey
Start dates
- 3 September 2026 · Norwich
Who else teaches this exact qualification
Same qualification, different college. Entry requirements and how it is taught can differ a lot between them, which is the whole reason to compare.
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