Level
A Level
Qualification
Edexcel International A Level Biology syllabus XBI11 (AS) and YBI11 (A2)
Exam Board
Edexcel International
Hours of Study
Approximately 500 hours of study time (plus additional time for completing assignments)
About the course
View upcoming Open EventsOverview
Our A Level Biology (International) online homeschooling course will help you build research and analytical skills through a mix of theory and practical study. You will gain a deeper understanding of how living systems work, and their impact on the world around us. Through this course, students will:
- Learn about biology and its connections to the environment and society.
- Develop skills in research, problem-solving and communication.
- Open doors to university degrees and careers in fields like medicine, veterinary science and ecology.
Our experienced University and Careers Advisor can provide support with choosing the right A Level courses for your ambitions, as well as all aspects of applying to university including UCAS references, interview preparation and more.
Additional information
Study method: A self-directed mix of online and offline learning with structured multimedia content. You will be supported throughout your studies with expert Tutor feedback as well as guidance from a dedicated 1:1 Student Progress Manager.
Course content
Key topics
- Molecules
- Biodiversity and conservation
- Energy
- Microbiology and immunity
- Respiration
- Coordination and gene technology
Take a look at our A Level Biology International homeschooling course to see what your child will be studying, with these exclusive previews on our student learning platform. These will give you an insight into our approach to this subject, the different topics it covers and the types of activities and exercises your child will be doing once they get started.
Assessments & exams
Exams
This course will assess your understanding across several papers:
AS Level
Paper 1: This paper covers Molecules, Diet, Transport and Health and lasts for 1 hour 30 minutes, accounting for 40% of the AS grade and 20% of the overall A Level grade.
Paper 2: This paper covers Cells, Development, Biodiversity and Conservation and lasts for 1 hour 30 minutes, accounting for 40% of the AS grade and 20% of the overall A Level grade.
Paper 3: This paper covers Practical Skills in Biology and lasts for 1 hour 20 minutes, accounting for 20% of the AS grade and 10% of the overall A Level grade.
A Level
Paper 4: This paper covers Energy, Environment, Microbiology and Immunity and lasts for 1 hour 45 minutes, accounting for 40% of the A2 grade and 20% of the overall A Level grade.
Paper 5: This paper covers Respiration, Internal Environment, Coordination and Gene Technology and lasts for 1 hour 45 minutes, accounting for 40% of the A2 grade and 20% of the overall A Level grade.
Paper 6: This paper covers Practical Skills in Biology and lasts for 1 hour 20 minutes, accounting for 20% of the A2 grade and 10% of the overall A Level grade.
You won’t perform experiments in the exam, but you must understand practical techniques and the scientific method, as these may be assessed in any paper, especially in relation to the core practicals.
Mock exams
All of our A Level courses include a number of past exam papers in the final module to support students’ learning. This includes the most recent paper, which can be taken as a mock exam and submitted to the course Tutor for feedback for an additional fee.
87% Pass Rate
In 2024, our A Level students achieved a pass rate of 87% at A*-C grade, with 59% achieving grades A*-C across all their courses.
Exam centres
As this is an Edexcel course, you will need to find an approved Edexcel exam centre that also caters for this subject. We can provide details of the closest exam centre for your family.
Meet the tutors
A Level Biology (International) Tutors
Esther Smith, BSc, PGCE, QTS
Tutors
Subjects
- Music
- Science
- Music Appreciation
- Physics
- Biology
Teaching Levels
- Lower Secondary
- GCSE Level
- A Level
Esther Smith, BSc, PGCE, QTS
Tutors
I am a fully qualified teacher with over 20 years of experience teaching Biology, Chemistry and Physics as both a classroom teacher and Head of Science. I have taught in various educational settings, including large secondaries, the private sector, middle school, hospital education, pupil referral units, home tuition and online.
I have taught Lower Secondary and IGCSE Science and Biology at A Level and collaborated to develop and deliver the Science curriculum in a range of schools. I am familiar with many different types of Science curricula and qualifications and have helped many students access Science and complete their exams through alternative routes.
Science is a fascinating subject helping us question everything and understand the world around us. Science can be enjoyed within any environment, whether out and about, in a lab or at home.
I am a caring and empathetic person with a passionate and creative approach to teaching. I adore animals and have five horses at home in the Cotswolds. When I’m not teaching, I love nothing more than getting out and exploring the beautiful countryside with them.
I look forward to sharing my love of Science and learning with you.
Jennifer L, BSc, PGCE
Tutors
Subjects
- Science
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
Teaching Levels
- Lower Secondary
- GCSE Level
- A Level
Jennifer L, BSc, PGCE
Tutors
I have always been curious about the living world and observing its wonders. I can vividly remember being six years old and sneaking downstairs every Saturday morning at 6am to watch the latest instalment of National Geographic. Over time this grew into a passion for Sciences. For me, they were the only disciplines that could offer explanations for the world around us. I continue to be fascinated by their complexities.
I am an experienced teacher of 15 years. I have a BSc in Biological Sciences with a minor in Psychology and a Post Graduate certificate in Educational Management. I currently teach Biology and Psychology through to A level and IGCSE Chemistry in the independent sector.
I have very much enjoyed teaching the IGCSE course for the last four years, which is a fantastic preparation for further study of the Sciences. I also work as a principal examiner for CIE and examine Psychology A Level for AQA.
I grew up in New York State in a very rural community. In my third year of University, I had the opportunity to study abroad in the UK. I absolutely loved my time in England! After completing my degree, I relocated here. Fifteen years later, I am still loving it. I have taught in a variety of schools, from state comprehensives to grammar schools in Salisbury to a highly academic independent school in Ascot. My young family and I relocated more recently to the beautiful Norfolk countryside.
I would like to wish you all the best as you embark on your course. I hope you find the material stimulating and the challenges ahead rewarding. If you have any queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. I promise to never judge and always be friendly and supportive. There is no greater enjoyment in my job than the sharing that ‘lightbulb’ moment with a pupil and a poorly understood topic makes perfect sense.
I was once told by an esteemed colleague; ‘A true teacher has three loves; love of learning, love of learners and the love of introducing the first two loves together’. I hope that I can help you find your love of understanding the fascinating complexities of the science of life. I look forward to helping you to achieve many successes along the way in your studies.
Lyndsay Baker, BSc
Tutors
Subjects
- Science
- Marine Science
- Biology
- Physics
Teaching Levels
- Lower Secondary
- GCSE Level
- A Level
Lyndsay Baker, BSc
Tutors
Science is awesome! I grew up on the coast of Kenya, and was introduced to science early. My father was doing his PhD in Tuna Fish Migration – he’s a big game fisherman, which meant I got to spend my formative years elbow deep in shark guts. One of my favourite birthday presents was a little microscope, so I could look at onion skins, spider webs and dust while my dad sat next to me mounting slices of tuna liver on slides. After he came home from fishing, my job from around age five was also to help clean the engines, or help make lures using an ancient lathe.
As a teenager I loved school, and had excellent teachers for most of my subjects, but I particularly respected my Science teachers. My class nearly revolted when our beloved chemistry teacher left just before our final year! I studied Physics, Chemistry and Biology at A level, and my favourite topics were Genetics, Inorganic Chemistry and Astrophysics. I was also incredibly lucky to get a holiday job with a snorkelling tour company, spotting dolphins so regularly that I was able to recognise most of them by the shape of their fins. I used to spend my free time writing notes on their behaviour and movements. It was from this point on that my path was set in stone.
My mum is a teacher, and I spent most of my high school post-exam periods sitting with her class of ten year olds and helping them with their studies, and realised very early on that I wanted to be involved in education as well. I went on to study Biology at the University of York. For the first time I was completely surrounded by people just as passionate about the subject as I was! I was able to get involved in projects that got me into a classroom as well, such as tutoring and mentoring.
After my degree I went straight into an Oxford Brookes University graduate teacher programme, teaching in Banbury. Classroom teaching was an amazing experience, full of superlative ups and downs. One of my favourite memories is of a 12 year old boy who came up to me every lesson with a diagram of a new idea for a perpetual motion machine. Every day I’d praise the things he’d got right and explain why this particular one could never work – we got into some really complex physics, which makes me wonder if I’ll one day see his name in New Scientist, having finally got his machine to work.
I left the classroom in 2010 to have a family, but couldn’t bring myself to stop teaching. I’ve been tutoring constantly since then, and look forward to every lesson. I love the fact that the courses are evolving too, especially the introduction of more quantum physics in the A Levels – I’m excited to be going on a course on quantum and particle physics in November! So please, if you have any questions or need anything, don’t hesitate to contact me.
Nerys Meardon, BSc, MSc, PGCE
Tutors
Subjects
- Biology
Teaching Levels
- GCSE Level
- A Level
Nerys Meardon, BSc, MSc, PGCE
Tutors
I have always been fascinated with Biology. My specialist area is medical Biology. Nature has amazing ways of protecting and defending itself, but sometimes things go wrong, and problems need solving. This is why I completed a degree in Biomedical Science. During my studies, I learned how to diagnose disease in several disciplines, including microbiology, haematology, toxicology, and biochemistry. I gained widespread experience in laboratory practices and used microscopes a lot!
As a private Tutor, I enjoyed passing on my knowledge through creative teaching methods and went on to complete a PGCE with Cardiff Metropolitan University. I have since taught a wide range of science courses including A Level Biology, GCSE Biology. I have loved meeting people of all ages from diverse backgrounds.
Completing an online course in 3D Bioprinting and nanotechnology inspired me to undertake a Master’s in Nanomedicine at Swansea University. This involved studying groundbreaking methods to improve areas of medicine, for example, reducing diagnosis times for cancer and Alzheimer’s, finding alternative treatments to chemotherapy, and using genetic engineering to silence gene mutations. I thoroughly enjoyed getting stuck into my research project investigating the effect of pollution nanoparticles on blood clotting.
I have since been teaching A Level Biology and working as an examiner for over five years with Cambridge Assessment (CAIE) and Pearson Edexcel. The best part of teaching is watching students progress. I believe in providing high-quality exam training and feedback to help students achieve their best possible grade.
When I’m not working, I enjoy running, going for walks by the sea or taking hiking trips to the beautiful Brecon Beacons.
I look forward to assisting you in your studies!
Vicky Williams, BA, PGCE
Tutors
Subjects
- Science
- Biology
- Physics
- Chemistry
Teaching Levels
- Lower Secondary
- GCSE Level
- A Level
Vicky Williams, BA, PGCE
Tutors
I am an experienced Science teacher; I have always loved Science as it sparks curiosity and helps us to understand the world around us.
I have many years of teaching experience in schools and alternative provision. I studied at the University of Bristol and achieved my Biological Sciences Degree (BSc Hons.) in 2002. I then completed my PGCE in Secondary Science to share my knowledge of the subject.
I have taught KS3, GCSE and A Level Science during my teaching career, and I am confident in teaching the curriculum from many different exam boards. I understand that many students have barriers to education for many different reasons, and I have helped students overcome these barriers and access the curriculum allowing children to gain confidence, enjoy the subject and make academic progress. I have a calm and patient teaching style helping students to feel relaxed and develop their learning. I have taught Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Psychology for many years in a classroom and one-to-one.
I have developed excellent skills in exam technique and how to apply scientific knowledge to exam questions.
I look forward to sharing my experience and passion for Science with you.
When not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my husband and four boys. We like to go to the park and explore the countryside. I also love horse riding.
Course bundles & savings
Choose the perfect combination of courses for your child with our flexible approach to homeschooling. The more courses you select, the more you save per course.
1-2 courses
From £1,092.50 per course
3 courses
From £902.50 per course
4 courses
From £807.50 per course
Inspiring Stories
See how our students have unlocked their potential
Trustpilot Reviews
A Level reviews
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Flexible, comprehensive and supportive
I used Wolsey Hall Oxford to sit an A level in support of a career change. I had a really superb experience with the college. The online portal is easy to use. Teaching and learning materials are well curated to deliver the content. Tutors feedback is constructive, on point and quickly provided. These factors all help to ensure readiness for the exams themselves as well as development of a strong knowledge of the subject content. The administrative team were efficient and helpful. Overall and excellent experience and I would strongly recommend to anyone who can’t attend regular schooling in person or perhaps who wants to study an additional qualification alongside studies in school.
Clare W, January 10
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Highly recommended! Experienced and professional homeschooling in Zambia from Wolsey Hall Oxford!
Wolsey Hall Oxford came recommended from friends and colleagues when looking for Cambridge homeschooling family option for our 16 year old daughter in Zambia. We were not disappointed with the recommendations and the outcome of homeschooling in her selected A level subjects - Business Studies, English Language, Economics and History. The experience of the teachers and support network at Wolsey resulted in our daughter being accepted in a UK Russel Group University. Thank you Wolsey Hall Oxford team and Erica in particular, as you made it easier for us as parents throughout the homeschooling process which was new for us! Recommended by our family!
Alan Clayton, September 17
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Thank you Wolsey Hall Oxford
I'm Tejjas, an A Level student who sat the 2024 May/June A Level exams. My experience with Wolsey Hall Oxford was wonderful and I'm so happy that I decided to enrol. Courses were well organised on Canvas and flowed logically. The materials linked were useful and helped to provide a broader range of perspectives and approaches to problems or concepts. I would also recommend that other students look for materials beyond what is provided on Canvas to further their understanding if they so wish. Tutors were friendly and helpful when asked questions, and would usually respond within 48 hours. Thank you Mr Bahia, Mr Wardle, and Mrs Carpinato. Assignments were also good and feedback was useful. What was particularly good was that I felt that assignments were graded as they would be in the exams, meaning very strictly. This encouraged me to learn proper exam technique and not gloss over details that may otherwise seem trivial. This is especially helpful for essay subjects where students may mark themselves too leniently since the Cambridge-provided mark-schemes have some ambiguity. My SPM, Ms Helena Cantone, was also supportive and understanding when I missed deadlines occasionally due to personal matters. She would check in monthly to ask how I was doing and offer help, which helped to keep me motivated. I'm also very thankful to the university counsellor, Ms Sarah Wilson, for her advice and support with my UCAS application. With her referral letter and general advice on my application, I secured 5/5 offers from universities including the LSE, Warwick, and KCL. I achieved A*A*A* and hence converted my LSE offer. Overall, these 2 years with Wolsey Hall Oxford have been incredible thanks to the wonderful people involved, and I will look back on them with great fondness. Tejjas
Tejjas Kumar, August 16
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Professional, well-oiled institution
Wolsey is a highly professional institution that has clearly been operating for decades. The support, when needed, is always good. The course design and content is excellent, and makes the various subjects interesting. The tutor support is very helpful. We also appreciated the University Advice section of the school
Nicky van Hille, June 29
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Great experience throughout my school years
I have been with Wolsey since I started KS3, and I'm now going to start my final year of A levels. All throughout my time, the tutors have been fantastic and the feedback I got from them on my assignments have been good, as well as communication if I needed any additional help. For my AS level sociology, my assignment marks went from 68/100 to 90/100. Overall, probably one of the best online schooling options
Audrey M. Purinton, June 27
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Wonderful Wolsey!
Our daughter has been with Wolsey Hall for 4 years now and is on her path to begin her A-levels. We have had a wonderful experience from day one, and our current SPM, Kristina Brown, has been a superstar all the way. All questions, queries, and requests are attended to promptly and with extended guidance the whole time which is invaluable. We look forward to our next chapter with Wolsey Hall both our daughter and we as parents, are very happy with Wolsey Hall and highly recommend it to all parents looking for a top homeschooling choice.
C.T, June 21
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Many Thanks To Wolsey Hall
Wolsey Hall staff and teachers were always very helpful. I did not have to wait for assessment of my assignments for any length of time. The comments of the tutors helped to improve my presentation, especially in Mathematics. The encouraging and kind comments of all the tutors kept my morale high. When I had no option near my home to pursue A levels, Wolsey Hall was the best choice. Especially suited my independent style of working. Many Thanks to Wolsey Hall.
Arshnoor Singh Boparai, April 20, 2024
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Fantastic feedback, support and resources
Wolsey Hall is an absolutely fantastic choice for anyone wanting to homeschool themselves. You will have access to a staggering amount of interesting and useful course material, constant support and helpful feedback on all your assignments. I finished both my IGCSEs and my A Levels with Wolsey Hall, and did very well in both. I strongly recommend giving this school a chance!
Kaden Wolfson, January 17, 2024
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A levels at wh
My teachers and student manager were supportive throughout my 2 years with Wolsey. They were very good at prepping us for the exams and gave really specific and helpful feedback to my assignments.
Avantika D, August 23, 2023
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A great homeschooling approach
This is the best homeschooling program to support student undertaking a UK based curriculum. The platform works very well, supported by excellent tutors and a dedicated student progress manager. I recommend it for anyone looking to take IGCSE or A level qualification.
Sammy Likhali, June 27, 2023
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I have just finished two a-levels…
I have just finished two a-levels courses and I’m very satisfied with the experience Wolsey Hall provided. Always helpful and tutors always responsive with plenty of notice if they aren’t able to get back to you. All the resources and websites proved very useful and I thought the organisation of it was immaculate. Feedback was always helpful and always gave you room to improve so you can aim for very good grades.
Kim, November 29, 2022
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We were looking for an alternative online school for A Levels
We were looking for an alternative online school for A Levels. We found Wolsey Hall online, watched a few videos and filled in the information request form. Tina replied with a kind and informative email which she immediately followed up with a video call. Tina has gone above and beyond all of our expectations to help and has really made us feel like the school cares. The whole experience has left us as a family feeling confident that we have made the right choice and looking forward to getting started.
Spain Family, September 30, 2021
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Cambridge A level Psychology…
Our daughter took A level Psychology over 2 years because this option was not available through her school. Although much of distance learning is down to a student's self-discipline, having the right framework, tutor support and feedback strengthens the process. I believe that Wolsey Hall provided this, which is why the final grade result was so encouraging. I can highly recommend Wolsey Hall if you are looking for an online Cambridge option.
Parent, September 29, 2021
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No regrets at all.... Wolsey Hall are excellent.
A work move to Tokyo meant we had to make some tough decisions on A Level education for our son. Shopping around it was clear there was a plethora of distance learning providers, but Wolsey Hall seemed to stand out. We plumped for them, based upon their references and we were not disappointed; in fact we were delighted. Our son enrolled for three A Levels and it was clear from day one that Wolsey Hall were attentive, rigorous, disciplined and a delight for him to deal with. Feedback from the coursework was fast, comprehensive and very personalised, his tutors always accessible and delight to deal with, providing excellent exam preparation. The administration of the books, coursework, lesson plans and other issues was spot-on. Wolsey Hall has our strongest recommendation and they have our fulsome praise and thanks for their efforts; he passed all three with great grading and will start University this year. My Son wears his Wolsey Hall sweatshirt with pride, they are very much his Alma Mater. Delighted!
Paul, May 12, 2020
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Wolsey Hall is an excellent school for…
Wolsey Hall is an excellent school for young adults to excel in their studies. Using the homeschooling system allows adolescents to develop a sense of orderliness, perseverance, patience and importance of achievement. The way the system works is very clear, efficient and straightforward with many resources provided. Tutors are very helpful, always giving inspiring compliments as well as advising on how to improve and where to focus attention. Wolsey Hall gave our daughter a unique opportunity to study AS and A levels while living in France. We are very grateful for the invaluable help we received from all the team. The synergy of hard work and support produced exceptionally great results: our daughter was accepted to one of the best universities.
parent, October 14, 2019
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Exceptional Experience
My daughter is an American student studying with Wolsey Hall. I knew very little about the Cambridge curriculum when my daughter began her IGCSE studies, but Wolsey Hall has made every effort to help both of us along the way. Their tutors are excellent, the materials they offer are thorough and I cannot say enough good things about their support staff. My daughter achieved very high marks on her IGCSE exams and is now studying A levels with Wolsey Hall. I highly recommend them for anyone wanting an exceptional learning experience.
Elaine, September 25, 2019
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Excellent
I would recommend Wolsey Hall Oxford to anyone considering homeschooling. Each course has plenty of resources on canvas and the course books are very informative. Any questions or help that we needed (preparing and arranging exams etc) have always been dealt with by the friendly tutors and student progress manager. My daughter achieved excellent IGCSE results and is now taking an A-level course.
D Hogan, September 18, 2019
Rated 4.7 / 5 based on 270 reviews.
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What’s your next step?
Our Learning Advisors are here to help and are happy to talk about how we can support your child to get the best start.
You can reach us by phone, email or live chat, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (UK time).
Learn more about Wolsey Hall Oxford and how we support families at every stage of the homeschooling journey.
Our live events take place regularly throughout the year. On-demand recordings are also available to watch at any time.
Joining our global community of homeschooling families is as simple as filling out our Admissions Enquiry Form.
Visit our Admissions page to see how you can get started.
Admissions Enquiry Form
Simply fill out our Admissions Enquiry Form and a member of our team will then be in touch to arrange a call to talk about your circumstances and needs in more detail.