Biology (A Level)
at FAIRFAX, Sutton Coldfield · other provider
What the college says
If you enjoyed Biology at GCSE, you’ll love A-level Biology. Biology A-level will give you the skills to make connections and associations with all living things around you. Biology literally means the study 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. Biology, like all sciences, is a practical subject. Throughout the course you will carry out practical activities including: • using microscopes to see cell division • dissection of animal or plant systems • investigating activity within cells • investigating animal behaviours • investigating distributions of species in the environment. These practical activities will give you the skills and confidence needed to investigate the way living things behave and work. It will also ensure that if you choose to study a Biologybased subject at university, you’ll have the practical skills needed to carry out successful experiments in your degree. A-level Biology is a linear course that lasts two years, with exams at the end of the second year. There is no coursework on this course. However, your performance during practical’s will be assessed YEAR 12 TOPICS STUDIED: Biological molecules; Cells; Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms ASSESSMENT STRUCTURE: Six required practical activities YEAR 13 TOPICS STUDIED: Energy transfers in and between organisms; Organisms respond
What you need to get on
Applicants will need to have a minimum of 5 grades 9-4 (or A*-C) GCSEs, including English and Mathematics, and 6/6 in Core/Additional Science or grade 6 in Triple Science. Internal applicants who meet the minimum academic entrance requirements will be offered a place automatically. All successful applicants will be required to sign a sixth form code of conduct in recognition of the Academy's expectations of sixth form students in terms of their behaviour, punctuality and attendance.
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
Fairfax
Fairfax Road, Sutton Coldfield, B75 7JT
DaytimeClassroom basedCheck the journey
Start dates
- 1 September 2026 · Sutton Coldfield
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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