What do I need to know to enrol?
A level Biology (International) is available only to students based outside the UK. It builds directly on the work you will have done for IGCSE/GCSE in the subject. Grade B or 6 at IGCSE/GCSE is required before starting on the A level. Due to the knowledge of Mathematics required, we also require that you have Grade B or 6 in Maths. We also strongly recommend that you have studied Chemistry at IGCSE or equivalent before embarking on this subject. Wolsey Hall offers the relevant IGCSE courses should you need further prior study. All students undertaking Wolsey Hall A levels must also have IGCSE in English Language at Grade C or 4.
The syllabus and exam
This course prepares you for the Edexcel International A level Biology syllabus XBI11 (for AS) and YBI11 (for A2). Exams take place in January, June and October.
AS level
Paper 1
Molecules, Diet, Transport and Health (code WBI11/01) worth 40% of the AS grade and 20% of the overall A level grade. (1 hour and 30 minutes)
Paper 2
Cells, Development, Biodiversity and Conservation (code WBI12/01) worth 40% of the AS grade and 20% of the overall A level grade. (1 hour and 30 minutes)
Paper 3
Practical Skills in Biology I (code WBI13/01) worth 20% of the AS grade and 10% of the overall A level grade. (1 hour and 20 minutes)
A2 level
Paper 4
Energy, Environment, Microbiology and Immunity (code WBI14/01) worth 40% of the A2 grade and 20% of the overall A level grade. (1 hour and 45 minutes)
Paper 5
Respiration, Internal Environment, Coordination and Gene Technology (code WBI15/01) worth 40% of the A2 grade and 20% of the overall A level grade. (1 hour and 45 minutes)
Paper 6
Practical Skills in Biology II (code WBI16/01) worth 20% of the A2 grade and 10% of the overall A level grade. (1 hour and 20 minutes)
You will not be expected to carry out experiments during the exam; however, you are expected to develop your experimental skills, and a knowledge and understanding of practical techniques is necessary as any of the exam papers may assess your understanding of the scientific method, particularly in relation to the core practicals listed in the syllabus.
We have developed resources in conjunction with the Lab Book so that home students can familiarise themselves with the methods by watching appropriate YouTube videos, and using hypothetical data to complete as many of the questions as possible. Where feasible, you may even be able to carry out a simplified method at home. These resources are all self-assessed, as the answers to analytical questions are provided with the Lab Book, but your tutor is available to answer any questions.
All of our A level courses include a number of past exam papers in the final module. These include the most recent paper which can be taken as a mock exam and submitted to your Tutor for assessment and feedback for a modest additional fee.
Course Fees
The fee for AS or Y2 A level is £705 via instalments. There is a discount of 5% for payment in full reducing the fee to £665. Read more about our fees and discounts, see what our fees include or use our fee calculator to find out the total cost of the courses you select.
If you’re not delighted with your course, let us know within 45 days and we’ll refund your course fee (less the cost of the books).
The fee for Full A level is £1170 via instalments. There is a discount of 5% for payment in full reducing the fee to £1115. Read more about our fees and discounts, see what our fees include or use our fee calculator to find out the total cost of the courses you select.
If you’re not delighted with your course, let us know within 45 days and we’ll refund your course fee (less the cost of the books).
