GCE Biology
at King Edward Vi Aston School, Birmingham · school or sixth form
What the college says
Biology, the study of life, provides us with knowledge of ourselves as well as the world around us. It offers rewards, therefore, for the specialist and non-specialist alike. For the specialist, career opportunities exist in traditional areas such as medicine, dentistry, physiotherapy, optometry, veterinary science and also in the rapidly expanding fields of biotechnology and genetic engineering. These disciplines will affect all of our lives through their applications in medicine, industry and agriculture. For the non-specialist, the course provides a greater understanding of life and life processes, as well as training in scientific method and analysis. A greater depth of treatment is given to topics covered at GCSE/iGCSE and many new areas are also encountered. Students must be prepared to accommodate the change in intellectual pace and also become more self-reliant in their studies. It is not essential to take AS or A2 Chemistry to support studies, and we often have students taking Biology as their only science. However, those intending to pursue biologically based careers would normally be expected to have a qualification in AS or A2 level Chemistry. Most universities require Biology and Chemistry at least at AS level for entry to medical school. For Optometry, Mathematics or Physics is normally required in addition to Biology. This qualification is linear. Linear means that students will sit all the A-level examinationss at the end of their two year A-level course. Asse
What you need to get on
In order to study a subject at A-Level a student must have achieved at least a grade 7 at GCSE in that subject (where that subject was an option at GCSE) Note Read information on school's admission website
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
King Edward VI Aston School
FREDERICK ROAD ASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B6 6DJ
DaytimeClassroom basedCheck the journey
Start dates
- 1 September 2026 · BIRMINGHAM
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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Trinity High School and Sixth Form Centre
Redditch · West Midlands · 9 months