Assessment - A-Levels Biology
Assessment objectives (AOs) are set by Ofqual and are the same across all AS and A-level Biology specifications and all exam boards.
The exams will measure how students have achieved the following assessment objectives.
AO1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures.
AO2: Apply knowledge and understanding
Apply knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures:
- in a theoretical context
- in a practical context
- when handling qualitative data
- when handling quantitative data
AO3: Analyse, interpret and evaluate
Analyse, interpret and evaluate scientific information, ideas and evidence, including in relation to issues, to:
- make judgements and reach conclusions
- develop and refine practical design and procedures
Weighting of assessment objectives for AS Biology
| Assessment objectives (AOs) | Component weightings (approx %) | Overall weighting (approx %) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Paper 2 | ||
| AO1 | 47–51 | 33–37 | 35–40 |
| AO2 | 35–39 | 41–45 | 40–45 |
| AO3 | 13–17 | 21–25 | 20–25 |
| Overall weighting of components | 50 | 50 | 100 |
10% of the overall assessment of AS Biology will contain mathematical skills equivalent to Level 2 or above. At least 15% of the overall assessment of AS Biology will assess knowledge, skills and understanding in relation to practical work.
Weighting of assessment objectives for A-level Biology
| Assessment objectives (AOs) | Component weightings (approx %) | Overall weighting (approx %) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Paper 2 | Paper 3 | ||
| AO1 | 44–48 | 23–27 | 28–32 | 30–35 |
| AO2 | 30–34 | 52–56 | 35–39 | 40–45 |
| AO3 | 20–24 | 19–23 | 31–35 | 25–30 |
| Overall weighting of components | 35 | 35 | 30 | 100 |
10% of the overall assessment of A-level Biology will contain mathematical skills equivalent to Level 2 or above. At least 15% of the overall assessment of A-level Biology will assess knowledge, skills and understanding in relation to practical work.
4.3 Assessment weightings
The marks awarded on the papers will be scaled to meet the weighting of the components. Students’ final marks will be calculated by adding together the scaled marks for each component. Grade boundaries will be set using this total scaled mark. The scaling and total scaled marks are shown in the table below.
AS
| Component | Maximum raw mark | Scaling factor | Maximum scaled mark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | 75 | ×1 | 75 |
| Paper 2 | 75 | ×1 | 75 |
| Total scaled mark: | 150 |
A-level
| Component | Maximum raw mark | Scaling factor | Maximum scaled mark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | 91 | ×1 | 91 |
| Paper 2 | 91 | ×1 | 91 |
| Paper 3 | 78 | ×1 | 78 |
| Total scaled mark: | 260 |
2.2 AS
Assessments
Paper 1
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| What's assessed | • Any content from topics 1–4, including relevant practical skills |
| Assessed | • written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes • 75 marks • 50% of AS |
| Questions | • 65 marks: short answer questions • 10 marks: comprehension question |
Paper 2
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| What's assessed | • Any content from topics 1–4, including relevant practical skills |
| Assessed | • written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes • 75 marks • 50% of AS |
| Questions | • 65 marks: short answer questions • 10 marks: extended response questions |
2.3 A-level
Assessments
Paper 1
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| What's assessed | • Any content from topics 1–4, including relevant practical skills |
| Assessed | • written exam: 2 hours • 91 marks • 35% of A-level |
| Questions | • 76 marks: a mixture of short and long answer questions • 15 marks: extended response questions |
Paper 2
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| What's assessed | • Any content from topics 5–8, including relevant practical skills |
| Assessed | • written exam: 2 hours • 91 marks • 35% of A-level |
| Questions | • 76 marks: a mixture of short and long answer questions • 15 marks: comprehension question |
Paper 3
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| What's assessed | • Any content from topics 1–8, including relevant practical skills |
| Assessed | • written exam: 2 hours • 78 marks • 30% of A-level |
| Questions | • 38 marks: structured questions, including practical techniques • 15 marks: critical analysis of given experimental data • 25 marks: one essay from a choice of two titles |