Biology
at Maidstone Grammar School For Girls, Maidstone · school or sixth form
What the college says
AS Biology will be examined in two examinations and each will contain a variety of topics. These include cells, biological molecules, enzymes, exchange and transport, disease prevention and the immune system, biodiversity and classification. The development of practical skills in Biology plays an important role in the course. Skills of planning, implementing, analysis and evaluation will be assessed in the end of course written examinations. There is no coursework as part of the AS course. A Level Biology will be examined in three papers. This course will cover all of the topics studied at AS level. It will also include homeostasis, nervous and hormonal communication, photosynthesis, respiration, cellular control, genomes and ecosystems. As at AS level, practical skills will be developed during the course and examined in the three written papers. In addition to this, there will be a practical endorsement (pass or fail) element to the course to test students' practical competence. This will be reported separately to the final grade and will be based on performance in practical assessments throughout the two years. There is a requirement for mathematical skills to be assessed within the examination papers and therefore this course will suit those students with good mathematical ability. The course links well with Chemistry, Physics, Physical Education and Geography.
What you need to get on
General Sixth Form Entry Requirements: Admission to the Sixth Form will be as a result of applicants achieving a minimum Grade 5 in English Language and Mathematics. In total students need to have achieved at least six GCSEs of which at least four subjects are at Grade 6 (or Grade B). In addition students must meet subject entry requirements. Students meeting only the minimum entry requirements for the Sixth Form are likely to find the choice of subjects which they can access is restricted. In addition, Grade 6 or above in GCSE Biology or 7-7 or above in GCSE Combined Science. Grade 6 or above in GCSE Mathematics is also required. BTEC Science courses, GCSE Applied Science and GCSE Additional Applied Science are not suitable preparation for this course.
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
Maidstone Grammar School for Girls
GREAT BUCKLAND, MAIDSTONE, ME16 0SF
DaytimeClassroom basedCheck the journey
Start dates
- 2 September 2026 · MAIDSTONE
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.
- Their version
Sheffield · Yorkshire and The Humber · 2 years
- Their version
Newquay · South West · 2 years
- Their version
Brigg · Yorkshire and The Humber · 2 years
- Their version
Dagenham · London · 2 years
- Their version
Milton Keynes · South East · 2 years
- Their version
Rotherham · Yorkshire and The Humber · 2 years
- Their version
Oakham · East Midlands · 2 years
- Their version
Trinity High School and Sixth Form Centre
Redditch · West Midlands · 9 months