Course Content
- Component 1: Biological Molecules
- Component 2: Cells
- Component 3: Organisms exchange substances with their environment
- Component 4: Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms.
- Component 5: Energy transfers in and between organisms
- Component 6: Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments
- Component 7: Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems
- Component 8: The control of gene expression
| Component | Assessment | Duration | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | Written exam including practical skills | 2h | 35% |
| 5-8 | Written exam including practical skills | 2h | 35% |
| 1-8 | Written exam including practical skills and essay | 2h | 30% |
| Common Practical Assessment | Ongoing – teacher assessed | Separate Practical endorsement Certification |
Year 12
Half Term 1 (Sept-Nov)
Half Term 2 (Nov – Dec)
Half Term 3 (Jan – Feb)
Half Term 4 (Feb – March)
Half Term 5 (April – May)
Half Term 6 (May – July)
Half Term 1 (Sept-Nov)
Focus and Topic
- Biological Molecules
Core Knowledge
- Students will learn about the bonding between molecules and the reactions that cause them. They will study 5 Principle Biological molecules in depth – ATP, Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins and DNA.
- The structure and function of the molecules and how they are produced and broken down in the body.
- They will understand the role of water and mineral ions in Biological processes,
Core Skills
- CPAC requirements throughout – these are common to Biology Chemistry and Physics – each learner will work towards these in each subject studied. These skills are assessed throughout year 12 and 13
- 1. CPAC 1: Follows written procedures:
This competency involves correctly following instructions to carry out experimental techniques or procedures. - 2. CPAC 2: Applies investigative approaches and methods:
This competency focuses on the learner’s ability to apply investigative approaches and methods when using instruments and equipment in practical work. - 3. CPAC 3: Safely uses a range of practical equipment and materials:
This competency assesses the learner’s ability to safely use a range of practical equipment and materials in the lab or field. - 4. CPAC 4: Makes and records observations:
This competency involves making accurate observations relevant to the experimental procedure and recording them methodically using appropriate units and conventions. - 5. CPAC 5: Researches, references, and reports:
This competency requires learners to demonstrate research skills, including using appropriate software and tools to process data, carry out research, and report findings. To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
Assessment
- Knowledge and understanding – For all three subjects – There will be routine short recall tests throughout the topic. At the end of each unit students will be assessed using past paper questions.
- Checking for understanding will be ongoing in a variety of forms including text book and past paper questions and white board work
- Practical Endorsement (CPAC) for all three A level science subjects – To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
- Performance will be regularly reviewed and shared with the learner
Half Term 2 (Nov – Dec)
Focus and Topic
- Biological Molecules and Cells
Core Knowledge
- The Biological molecules topic will be completed in this term before continuing to the cell topic.
- Cells – Students will study the structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and viruses.
- Cell division in all types of cells – including binary fission and mitosis. Transport of substances across cell membranes by diffusion (including facilitated and co-transport), osmosis and active transport.
Core Skills
- CPAC requirements throughout – these are common to Biology Chemistry and Physics – each learner will work towards these in each subject studied. These skills are assessed throughout year 12 and 13
- 1. CPAC 1: Follows written procedures:
This competency involves correctly following instructions to carry out experimental techniques or procedures. - 2. CPAC 2: Applies investigative approaches and methods:
This competency focuses on the learner’s ability to apply investigative approaches and methods when using instruments and equipment in practical work. - 3. CPAC 3: Safely uses a range of practical equipment and materials:
This competency assesses the learner’s ability to safely use a range of practical equipment and materials in the lab or field. - 4. CPAC 4: Makes and records observations:
This competency involves making accurate observations relevant to the experimental procedure and recording them methodically using appropriate units and conventions. - 5. CPAC 5: Researches, references, and reports:
This competency requires learners to demonstrate research skills, including using appropriate software and tools to process data, carry out research, and report findings. To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
Assessment
- Knowledge and understanding – For all three subjects – There will be routine short recall tests throughout the topic. At the end of each unit students will be assessed using past paper questions.
- Checking for understanding will be ongoing in a variety of forms including text book and past paper questions and white board work
- Practical Endorsement (CPAC) for all three A level science subjects – To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
- Performance will be regularly reviewed and shared with the learner
Half Term 3 (Jan – Feb)
Focus and Topic
- Cells (continued)
Core Knowledge
- Students will complete any remaining work from HT2, study the cell recognition system and immune response. Students will learn the structure, replication and infection pathway of the HIV virus as an example of a retrovirus.
Core Skills
- CPAC requirements throughout – these are common to Biology Chemistry and Physics – each learner will work towards these in each subject studied. These skills are assessed throughout year 12 and 13
- 1. CPAC 1: Follows written procedures:
This competency involves correctly following instructions to carry out experimental techniques or procedures. - 2. CPAC 2: Applies investigative approaches and methods:
This competency focuses on the learner’s ability to apply investigative approaches and methods when using instruments and equipment in practical work. - 3. CPAC 3: Safely uses a range of practical equipment and materials:
This competency assesses the learner’s ability to safely use a range of practical equipment and materials in the lab or field. - 4. CPAC 4: Makes and records observations:
This competency involves making accurate observations relevant to the experimental procedure and recording them methodically using appropriate units and conventions. - 5. CPAC 5: Researches, references, and reports:
This competency requires learners to demonstrate research skills, including using appropriate software and tools to process data, carry out research, and report findings. To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
Assessment
- Knowledge and understanding – For all three subjects – There will be routine short recall tests throughout the topic. At the end of each unit students will be assessed using past paper questions.
- Checking for understanding will be ongoing in a variety of forms including text book and past paper questions and white board work
- Practical Endorsement (CPAC) for all three A level science subjects – To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
- Performance will be regularly reviewed and shared with the learner
Half Term 4 (Feb – March)
Focus and Topic
- Exchange & Transport
Core Knowledge
- Students will study the exchange and transport of substances in a variety of organisms. Including Gas exchange in humans, plants, fish and insects. The circulatory system of mammals. The mass transport of water and dissolved substances in plants. Students will also study the process of digestion and absorption in humans.
Core Skills
- CPAC requirements throughout – these are common to Biology Chemistry and Physics – each learner will work towards these in each subject studied. These skills are assessed throughout year 12 and 13
- 1. CPAC 1: Follows written procedures:
This competency involves correctly following instructions to carry out experimental techniques or procedures. - 2. CPAC 2: Applies investigative approaches and methods:
This competency focuses on the learner’s ability to apply investigative approaches and methods when using instruments and equipment in practical work. - 3. CPAC 3: Safely uses a range of practical equipment and materials:
This competency assesses the learner’s ability to safely use a range of practical equipment and materials in the lab or field. - 4. CPAC 4: Makes and records observations:
This competency involves making accurate observations relevant to the experimental procedure and recording them methodically using appropriate units and conventions. - 5. CPAC 5: Researches, references, and reports:
This competency requires learners to demonstrate research skills, including using appropriate software and tools to process data, carry out research, and report findings. To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
Assessment
- Knowledge and understanding – For all three subjects – There will be routine short recall tests throughout the topic. At the end of each unit students will be assessed using past paper questions.
- Checking for understanding will be ongoing in a variety of forms including text book and past paper questions and white board work
- Practical Endorsement (CPAC) for all three A level science subjects – To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
- Performance will be regularly reviewed and shared with the learner
Half Term 5 (April – May)
Focus and Topic
- DNA & Protein synthesis
Core Knowledge
- Students will study Protein Synthesis and be able to describe the process of transcription and translation in protein synthesis, and understand how the sequence of DNA bases determines the structure and function of proteins. Students will study how DNA base sequences are used to classify organisms and determine evolutionary relationships.
- How the sources of genetic variation including mutation and meiosis, and why genetic diversity is essential for survival and adaptation. Students will also learn how molecular data, such as amino acid sequences and DNA comparisons, is used to assess genetic similarities and differences between species for classification purposes.
Core Skills
- CPAC requirements throughout – these are common to Biology Chemistry and Physics – each learner will work towards these in each subject studied. These skills are assessed throughout year 12 and 13
- 1. CPAC 1: Follows written procedures:
This competency involves correctly following instructions to carry out experimental techniques or procedures. - 2. CPAC 2: Applies investigative approaches and methods:
This competency focuses on the learner’s ability to apply investigative approaches and methods when using instruments and equipment in practical work. - 3. CPAC 3: Safely uses a range of practical equipment and materials:
This competency assesses the learner’s ability to safely use a range of practical equipment and materials in the lab or field. - 4. CPAC 4: Makes and records observations:
This competency involves making accurate observations relevant to the experimental procedure and recording them methodically using appropriate units and conventions. - 5. CPAC 5: Researches, references, and reports:
This competency requires learners to demonstrate research skills, including using appropriate software and tools to process data, carry out research, and report findings. To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
Assessment
- Knowledge and understanding – For all three subjects – There will be routine short recall tests throughout the topic. At the end of each unit students will be assessed using past paper questions.
- Checking for understanding will be ongoing in a variety of forms including text book and past paper questions and white board work
- Practical Endorsement (CPAC) for all three A level science subjects – To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
- Performance will be regularly reviewed and shared with the learner
Half Term 6 (May – July)
Focus and Topic
- Consolidation & Revision
Core Knowledge
- This term will be used to consolidate key concepts, review areas requiring support and prepare for final assessment.
Core Skills
- CPAC requirements throughout – these are common to Biology Chemistry and Physics – each learner will work towards these in each subject studied. These skills are assessed throughout year 12 and 13
- 1. CPAC 1: Follows written procedures:
This competency involves correctly following instructions to carry out experimental techniques or procedures. - 2. CPAC 2: Applies investigative approaches and methods:
This competency focuses on the learner’s ability to apply investigative approaches and methods when using instruments and equipment in practical work. - 3. CPAC 3: Safely uses a range of practical equipment and materials:
This competency assesses the learner’s ability to safely use a range of practical equipment and materials in the lab or field. - 4. CPAC 4: Makes and records observations:
This competency involves making accurate observations relevant to the experimental procedure and recording them methodically using appropriate units and conventions. - 5. CPAC 5: Researches, references, and reports:
This competency requires learners to demonstrate research skills, including using appropriate software and tools to process data, carry out research, and report findings. To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
Assessment
- This term is likely to include a formal full AS paper exam (or teacher determined alternative) – a synoptic assessment of all work covered for the year.
- Knowledge and understanding – For all three subjects – There will be routine short recall tests throughout the topic. At the end of each unit students will be assessed using past paper questions.
- Checking for understanding will be ongoing in a variety of forms including text book and past paper questions and white board work
- Practical Endorsement (CPAC) for all three A level science subjects – To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
- Performance will be regularly reviewed and shared with the learner
Year 13
Half Term 1 (Sept-Nov)
Half Term 2 (Nov – Dec)
Half Term 3 (Jan – Feb)
Half Term 4 (Feb – March)
Half Term 5 (April – May)
Half Term 6 (May – July)
Half Term 1 (Sept-Nov)
Focus and Topic
- Energy Transfers in and between organisms
Core Knowledge
- Students will study the Biochemistry of both Photosynthesis and respiration. How energy is moved through trophic levels and stored in biomass. Nutrient cycles – phosphorus and nitrogen.
Core Skills
- CPAC requirements throughout – these are common to Biology Chemistry and Physics – each learner will work towards these in each subject studied. These skills are assessed throughout year 12 and 13
- 1. CPAC 1: Follows written procedures:
This competency involves correctly following instructions to carry out experimental techniques or procedures. - 2. CPAC 2: Applies investigative approaches and methods:
This competency focuses on the learner’s ability to apply investigative approaches and methods when using instruments and equipment in practical work. - 3. CPAC 3: Safely uses a range of practical equipment and materials:
This competency assesses the learner’s ability to safely use a range of practical equipment and materials in the lab or field. - 4. CPAC 4: Makes and records observations:
This competency involves making accurate observations relevant to the experimental procedure and recording them methodically using appropriate units and conventions. - 5. CPAC 5: Researches, references, and reports:
- This competency requires learners to demonstrate research skills, including using appropriate software and tools to process data, carry out research, and report findings. To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
Assessment
- Knowledge and understanding – For all three subjects – There will be routine short recall tests throughout the topic. At the end of each unit students will be assessed using past paper questions.
- Checking for understanding will be ongoing in a variety of forms including text book and past paper questions and white board work
- Practical Endorsement (CPAC) for all three A level science subjects – To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
- Performance will be regularly reviewed and shared with the learner
Half Term 2 (Nov – Dec)
Focus and Topic
- Organisms respond to their internal and external environments
Core Knowledge
- Students will study how a range of organisms exhibit both simple and complex responses to external stimuli. Students will study receptors including the eye and pacinian corpuscle. The structure and function of neurones and the events in a nerve impulse, synaptic transmission and muscle contraction.
- Students will study mechanisms of homeostasis including the control of blood water potential and glucose concentration.
Core Skills
- CPAC requirements throughout – these are common to Biology Chemistry and Physics – each learner will work towards these in each subject studied. These skills are assessed throughout year 12 and 13
- 1. CPAC 1: Follows written procedures:
This competency involves correctly following instructions to carry out experimental techniques or procedures. - 2. CPAC 2: Applies investigative approaches and methods:
This competency focuses on the learner’s ability to apply investigative approaches and methods when using instruments and equipment in practical work. - 3. CPAC 3: Safely uses a range of practical equipment and materials:
This competency assesses the learner’s ability to safely use a range of practical equipment and materials in the lab or field. - 4. CPAC 4: Makes and records observations:
This competency involves making accurate observations relevant to the experimental procedure and recording them methodically using appropriate units and conventions. - 5. CPAC 5: Researches, references, and reports:
- This competency requires learners to demonstrate research skills, including using appropriate software and tools to process data, carry out research, and report findings. To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
Assessment
- Knowledge and understanding – For all three subjects – There will be routine short recall tests throughout the topic. At the end of each unit students will be assessed using past paper questions.
- Checking for understanding will be ongoing in a variety of forms including text book and past paper questions and white board work
- Practical Endorsement (CPAC) for all three A level science subjects – To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
- Performance will be regularly reviewed and shared with the learner
Half Term 3 (Jan – Feb)
Focus and Topic
- Genetics, evolution and ecosystems
Core Knowledge
- Students will study the inheritance of features. The frequency of phenotypes with populations as governed by the Hardy Weinberg principle. The mechanisms by which evolution can occur within a population. How to study populations in the field.
Core Skills
- CPAC requirements throughout – these are common to Biology Chemistry and Physics – each learner will work towards these in each subject studied. These skills are assessed throughout year 12 and 13
- 1. CPAC 1: Follows written procedures:
This competency involves correctly following instructions to carry out experimental techniques or procedures. - 2. CPAC 2: Applies investigative approaches and methods:
This competency focuses on the learner’s ability to apply investigative approaches and methods when using instruments and equipment in practical work. - 3. CPAC 3: Safely uses a range of practical equipment and materials:
This competency assesses the learner’s ability to safely use a range of practical equipment and materials in the lab or field. - 4. CPAC 4: Makes and records observations:
This competency involves making accurate observations relevant to the experimental procedure and recording them methodically using appropriate units and conventions. - 5. CPAC 5: Researches, references, and reports:
- This competency requires learners to demonstrate research skills, including using appropriate software and tools to process data, carry out research, and report findings. To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
Assessment
- This term is likely to include a formal mock exam in all subjects – refer to school exam schedule for further details.
- Knowledge and understanding – For all three subjects – There will be routine short recall tests throughout the topic. At the end of each unit students will be assessed using past paper questions.
- Checking for understanding will be ongoing in a variety of forms including text book and past paper questions and white board work
- Practical Endorsement (CPAC) for all three A level science subjects – To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
- Performance will be regularly reviewed and shared with the learner
Half Term 4 (Feb – March)
Focus and Topic
- The control of gene expression
Core Knowledge
- Students will study the role of mutations, epigenetics, methylation and acetylation of DNA in the expression of genes. Students will learn about gene technology. Students will learn about the role of gene expression in cancer.
Core Skills
- CPAC requirements throughout – these are common to Biology Chemistry and Physics – each learner will work towards these in each subject studied. These skills are assessed throughout year 12 and 13
- 1. CPAC 1: Follows written procedures:
This competency involves correctly following instructions to carry out experimental techniques or procedures. - 2. CPAC 2: Applies investigative approaches and methods:
This competency focuses on the learner’s ability to apply investigative approaches and methods when using instruments and equipment in practical work. - 3. CPAC 3: Safely uses a range of practical equipment and materials:
This competency assesses the learner’s ability to safely use a range of practical equipment and materials in the lab or field. - 4. CPAC 4: Makes and records observations:
This competency involves making accurate observations relevant to the experimental procedure and recording them methodically using appropriate units and conventions. - 5. CPAC 5: Researches, references, and reports:
- This competency requires learners to demonstrate research skills, including using appropriate software and tools to process data, carry out research, and report findings. To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
Assessment
- Knowledge and understanding – For all three subjects – There will be routine short recall tests throughout the topic. At the end of each unit students will be assessed using past paper questions.
- Checking for understanding will be ongoing in a variety of forms including text book and past paper questions and white board work
- Practical Endorsement (CPAC) for all three A level science subjects – To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
- Performance will be regularly reviewed and shared with the learner
Half Term 5 (April – May)
Focus and Topic
- All subjects – Preparation for final examinations
Core Knowledge
- Focussed revision and preparation for the final examination
Core Skills
- N/A
Assessment
- Knowledge and understanding – For all three subjects – There will be routine short recall tests throughout the topic. At the end of each unit students will be assessed using past paper questions.
- Checking for understanding will be ongoing in a variety of forms including text book and past paper questions and white board work
- Practical Endorsement (CPAC) for all three A level science subjects – To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
- Performance will be regularly reviewed and shared with the learner
Half Term 6 (May – July)
Focus and Topic
- All subjects – Preparation for final examinations
Core Knowledge
- Focussed revision and preparation for the final examination
Core Skills
- N/A
Assessment
- N/A
Key Info
- Start Date: September 2026
- Awarding Body: AQA
- Study Mode: Full Time
- Course Length: 2 Years
Entry Requirements
TBC
Complementary Subjects
Career Opportunities
Biology is a key subject for many careers, including: medicine, nursing, dentistry, forensic science, psychology, physiotherapy, botany, environmental science, oceanography, pharmaceuticals, genetics and research.