A Level Biology
at Sir Thomas Rich'S School, Gloucester · school or sixth form
What the college says
Year 12 units include work on cell structure, biological molecules, exchange systems (e.g. breathing), plant and mammalian transport, cell division, DNA and protein synthesis, evolution, biodiversity, disease and the immune system. Year 13 units include work on homeostasis, nerves, hormones, excretion, photosynthesis, respiration, genetics, cellular control, biotechnology, plant and animal responses, ecosystems, populations and sustainability. Year 12 students visit the Natural History Museum in Oxford to study classification and evolution. A one day field course is also usually undertaken. Year 13 students are expected to attend a 4 day residential course held at a Field Studies Council Centre in Pembrokeshire. The Examination Board for the course is OCR Biology A specification. The examination will consist of three written papers. The papers will include content from the Year 12 and Year 13 teaching units: Paper 1— Biological Processes 2h 15min (100 marks) Paper 2—Biological Diversity 2h 15min (100 marks) Paper 3—Unified Biology (synoptic) 1h 30min (70 marks) Practical based questions will be included in all papers (15% weighting). There will be a minimum 10% mathematical skills weighting. Practical Endorsements - Practicals will be carried out throughout the course. Students must record a minimum of 12 of these (showing a range of skills). These will be assessed to achieve a “Practical Endorsement: Pass” on their Biology A Level certificate.
What you need to get on
As per current prospectus.
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
Sir Thomas Rich's School
Oakleaze, Gloucester, GL2 0LF
DaytimeClassroom basedCheck the journey
Start dates
- 3 September 2026 · Gloucester
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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