Biology

Assessment

A-level biology is a stand-alone (2 year) course and consists of 3 examinations and a portfolio of practical work. The practical work will contribute to a certificate of competency. Paper 1: • Units 1 - 4 & practical skills • Written exam: 2 hours • 91 marks (35% of A-level) o 76 marks of a mixture of short and long answer questions o 15 marks of extended response questions Paper 2: • Unit 5 – 8 & practical skills • Written exam: 2 hours • 91 marks (35% of A-level) o 76 marks of a mixture of short & long answer questions o 15 marks of comprehension questions Paper 3: • Unit 1 – 8 & practical skills • Written exam: 2 hours • 78 marks (30% of A-level) o 38 marks of structured questions, including practical techniques o 15 marks of critical analysis of given experimental data o 25 marks consisting of one synoptic essay from a choice of two titles