How to Revise for A Level Biology

If you're studying A Level Biology, you are probably already aware that it’s a content-heavy subject packed with complex processes, scientific terminology and plenty of application. But don’t panic. With the right revision strategies and tools, you can take control of your learning, build confidence, and set yourself up for exam success.

I’ve been teaching Biology in UK classrooms for over 15 years, and I’ve seen first-hand what works and what doesn’t when it comes to revising effectively. So, whether you’re studying AQA, OCR, Edexcel, CIE or another exam board, here are my top strategies for revising A Level Biology.

In this article, you’ll learn how to:

• Use your exam board’s specification to structure your revision

• Revise actively using proven memory techniques

• Practise with past papers and learn from mark schemes

• Tailor your revision to suit your learning style

• Choose high-quality, exam-specific resources

• Create a realistic and effective revision plan

Start with the specification 

Every exam board publishes a detailed specification outlining exactly what you need to know. This is your revision bible.

• AQA A Level Biology specification (opens in a new tab)

• OCR A Level Biology specification (opens in a new tab)

• CIE A Level Biology specification (opens in a new tab)

• Edexcel A Level Biology specification (opens in a new tab)

How to use your specification:

• Print a copy and tick off each topic as you revise it

• Use it to create your revision checklist

• Highlight command words and key processes

I always recommend students keep a copy beside them when using our A Level Biology Revision Notes. Each topic is matched to the specification so you know you’re covering everything that could come up.

Make active revision your default

Reading your notes is a start, but it’s passive. To really retain information, you need to do something with it.

Try these active strategies:

• Create flashcards with questions on one side and answers on the other

• Use blurting: write down everything you know about a topic from memory, then check and correct it

• Teach the content to someone else

• Draw diagrams from scratch

Student tip: One of my previous students transformed her understanding of photosynthesis by drawing and redrawing the light-dependent reactions from memory every few days. That repetition really made the content stick.

For help with tricky processes, check out our A Level Biology Exam Questions, which are split into topics, each with student-friendly mark schemes and model answers — ideal for mastering one area at a time.

Embrace past papers and mark schemes

Nothing prepares you for the real thing like practising real exam questions. But it’s not just about doing the paper — it’s about what you learn from it.

How to make the most of them:

• Complete full papers under timed conditions

• Use the mark scheme to check your answers and identify where you lost marks

• Look for keywords and phrasing that examiners want

• Track which topics you consistently struggle with

Student tip: I had a student who colour-coded her mistakes by type (e.g. knowledge gaps, misread question, poor phrasing). That simple habit helped her jump a grade between mocks.

You can find A Level Biology Past Papers on Save My Exams.

Match revision to your learning style

Not everyone learns the same way. Knowing your learning style can make revision feel less of a slog and help you remember more.

• Visual learners: try mind maps, flowcharts, colour-coding and diagrams

• Auditory learners: record yourself explaining topics and listen back, or use podcasts

• Kinaesthetic learners: walk while revising, use flashcards or build models (even using paper cut-outs for cell structures!)

Mixing formats also helps reduce boredom and keep motivation high. Our A Level Biology revision resources include multiple formats, so you can revise in the way that works best for you.

Use high-quality resources

With so much information online, it’s important to be selective. The best resources are those that:

• Align with your exam board

• Are written by qualified experts

• Include exam-style practice and explanations

Save My Exams offers exactly that. From concise revision notes to exam-style topic questions and mark scheme guidance, you can be sure you’re revising the right material in the right way.

Make a realistic plan (and stick to it!)

Cramming may feel productive, but it rarely leads to deep understanding. A structured plan helps you:

• Space out revision for better memory retention

• Avoid last-minute stress

• Build in time for review and testing

Break each topic into sub-topics, then assign these to short sessions across your week. I often advise students to plan backwards from their exam dates and schedule regular low-stakes quizzes using our topic questions.

Final thoughts from a Biology teacher

I've seen so many students underestimate the challenge of A Level Biology until it’s too late. But the students who succeed are the ones who revise smart, not just hard. They use resources that match their exam board, test themselves regularly, and make revision part of their routine.

So take control, stay curious, and remember that you're not alone in this. Save My Exams has everything you need to revise with confidence and clarity.

Improve your grades with Save My Exams

Save My Exams is an online learning platform trusted by millions of students and teachers around the world. We create high-quality revision materials that are tailored to the most popular UK exam boards, including AQA, OCR, and Edexcel.

Our expert content creators have put together:

• Concise, exam-board specific revision notes

• Topic questions and full exam papers with mark schemes

• Model answers and helpful examiner tips

• Smart quizzes and revision checklists

Whether you’re starting early or gearing up for your final exams, our resources are designed to make your revision easier, more effective, and less stressful. Thousands of A Level Biology students use Save My Exams every year to boost their understanding, track their progress and improve their exam technique.

Explore Our A Level Biology Revision Resources