How to Get an A* in A-Level Biology

Securing an A* in A-Level Biology is no easy feat, but it’s entirely possible with the right approach. This subject is packed with challenging content, tricky exam techniques, and loads of keywords to memorise. To succeed, you’ll need the best resources, focused revision, and excellent exam skills. Here’s how to maximise your chances of earning that top grade!

1. Use Exam-Specific Resources

One of the biggest mistakes students make is using resources that don’t align with their exam board. A-Level Biology content overlaps by only about 60% between boards, so you need to make sure you’re studying the correct material.

What to Avoid:

• “One-size-fits-all” resources: If it claims to be for all exam boards, it’s not worth your time.

• Generic revision guides: Stick to guides tailored specifically to your exam board.

What to Look For:

• AQA Students: Focus on practising the big essay question, which can make or break your grade.

• OCR Students: Prioritise multiple-choice questions and learn how to answer them efficiently.

• Edexcel SNAB Students: Be prepared for the pre-release materials by practising applying your knowledge to new contexts.

Our Masterclasses are differentiated by exam board, ensuring you learn the correct content and exam skills without wasting time, effort, or money on irrelevant material.

2. Master the Keywords

A-Level Biology has more new words than A-Level French—it’s practically a new language! Mark schemes demand word-perfect definitions, so learning and using the correct terminology is non-negotiable.

Tips for Success:

• Use Flashcards: Our free Quizlet flashcards (available as part of our Masterclasses) are perfect for drilling keywords and definitions.

• Practice Writing Definitions: Test yourself to ensure you can recall terms with precision.

• Highlight Keywords in Answers: Examiners are specifically looking for these words, so make them stand out in your responses.

3. Nail Exam Skills

Your exam board dictates not only the content but also the style of questions you’ll face. Developing the right skills for your board is essential:

Exam-Specific Tips:

• AQA: Practice writing essays that link multiple topics together. Focus on structure and coherence.

• OCR: Sharpen your ability to tackle multiple-choice questions quickly and accurately.

• Edexcel SNAB: Spend time analysing and preparing for pre-release materials, as these require applying your knowledge to new scenarios.

Whatever your board, make sure your resources teach correct exam techniques. All of our Masterclasses include walkthroughs of questions tailored to your exam board, showing you exactly what examiners expect.

4. Practice “Suggest” Questions

“Suggest” questions are common in A-Level Biology, asking you to apply your knowledge to unfamiliar situations. These can be tricky, but with practice, you’ll get the hang of them.

Tips for Tackling Suggest Questions:

• Think Logically: Use your knowledge of biological principles to make informed guesses.

• Practice with Past Papers: The more you see these questions, the better you’ll become at recognising patterns.

• Learn from Mistakes: Review the mark scheme to see how you can improve.

5. Revision Without Wasting Time

Wasting time on irrelevant content is one of the most frustrating things about revision. That’s why we’ve designed our Masterclasses to save you time and focus your efforts:

What You Get with Our Masterclasses:

• Weekly Tutorials: Covering exam board-specific content and skills.

• Easter Revision Accelerator Course: Intensive sessions to boost your revision.

• Night Before the Exam Sessions: Stay calm and focused with last-minute tips.

• Predicted Papers and Walkthroughs: Early access to our highly-rated Predicted Papers and detailed guidance on what examiners are looking for.

All of this is just £49 a month, and with over 1,000 five-star reviews, you know you’re investing in proven success.

Final Thoughts

An A* in A-Level Biology requires careful planning, dedication, and the right resources. Focus on exam-specific content, master the essential keywords, and sharpen your exam skills for your board. By using targeted resources like our Masterclasses, you’ll maximise your chances of achieving your dream grade.

Sign up for our Masterclasses today and take the stress out of your revision. Let’s make that A* a reality! 🌟

About the Author

Hi, I’m Jen, the founder of Primrose Kitten Academy. With years of teaching experience and over 1,000 five-star reviews, I’ve helped thousands of students achieve their academic goals. Our Masterclasses are designed to provide affordable, high-quality support that makes revising for A-Level Biology more manageable and effective. Let’s tackle this together!