Our weekly A-level biology exam technique masterclasses focus on helping you with these questions:
- How do I improve at A-level biology exam questions?
- How do I match the really specific mark schemes?
- How can I improve at evaluating data?
- I know my stuff, but how do I apply it to *this* question?
- I just can’t make *this topic* stick – can you help?
John’s masterclasses gave me a different perspective to my school lessons – Jess, one of my online A-level biology tutees in year 13.
Jump to… useful details | how it works | FAQs | Schedule for topics 1 to 4 (Y12) | Schedule for topics 5-8 (Y13)
A-level biology exam technique masterclasses – useful details
Designed to support students on the AQA exam board.
(But often also suitable for Edexcel A (Salters Nuffield), and OCR A, see here).
£35 per 55 minute session
Exam technique for AQA A-level biology topics 1 to 4 (Y12)
18:30pm GMT Tuesday evenings
Jump to schedule for Year 12 AQA A-level biology for 2025/26
Exam technique for AQA A-level biology topics 5 to 8 (Y13)
18:30pm GMT Wednesday evenings
Jump to schedule Year 13 AQA A-level biology for 2025/26
How does a masterclass session work?
- Each A-level biology exam technique masterclass is 55 minutes long and hosted by Dr John Ankers online via Teams.
- During the masterclass, John takes a small group of students through real exam questions, explaining how to approach different question types, discussing model answers and tips and tricks to get all the marks. (We’ve written blog posts and study guides on different types of questions if you’d like to have a look.)
- Sessions focus on exam technique, applying your knowledge and evaluating data, common in “describe and explain”, “evaluate” and “application” questions.
- Each weekly session centres around a different topic (see the schedules below) – useful for revising what you’ve recently covered in school or college.
- There are separate masterclasses for Topics 1-4 (commonly covered in Year 12) and topics 5-8 (Year 13) – feel free to attend a mixture to help with your studies. Some students attend both.
- When appropriate, we may spend some time exploring a topic behind the questions, to make things clear and boost your understanding.
- You will be given lots of opportunity to have a go at answering questions in a warm, supportive environment. Please feel free to bring your own questions along! – maybe from a recent test. (Equally, if you want to relax and listen, that’s fine too.)
- The sessions are designed for motivated students with the AQA exam board, but students on other exam boards are also welcome – see below.
- I’m also happy to answer questions on biology topics throughout the week via online chat or Whatsapp (this is included in the price).
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How much do the A-level biology exam technique masterclasses cost?
The masterclasses are £35 per 55 minute session, to be paid in advance to secure your place.
How many students attend the masterclass – will I get a chance to contribute?
The sessions run with a minimum of 2 and maximum of 6 people and fill up quickly. The sessions thrive on interaction and there is always plenty of time to ask questions. Discussion around biology really motivates and boosts confidence. Like in previous years, my hope is to create a warm, friendly session that will become a helpful part of your (or your child’s) learning routine.
How do I book a place?
Just email John@wooltontutors.co.uk and tell me which session you’d like to attend.
I’m with a different exam board – like OCR or Edexcel – is there a masterclass for me?
While the current masterclasses are based on the AQA specification, there is a lot of common ground with other exams boards, and the exam techniques we will develop are universal. Feel free to attend a sample session to see if they are useful for you.
Depending on demand, we will be launching separate masterclasses specifically for OCR and Edexcel students – please email John@wooltontutors.co.uk to register your interest.
You might also consider our one-to-one A-level biology tutoring – We’re currently helping many OCR and Edexcel students through their exams.
Are the sessions useful for year 12 students who have just started A-level?
Yes. Some schools don’t show exam questions to students until much later in the year and this can be a shock. These masterclasses aim to introduce exam questions early to complement your school learning while it’s fresh in your mind, and give you the techniques you need to answer them in mocks and class tests too. The aim is to help you, and take some of the stress away.
Do I need to connect with my camera?
You are free to connect however you want to – but the best way is often with a camera, but some students just connect with audio. I will be using a camera throughout. The aim is that you are as comfortable as possible, to help you learn.
Do you offer one-to-one A-level biology tutoring?
Yes! Here is a page all about it.
Who is delivering the sessions? Do they have a DBS certificate?
Dr John Ankers is the director of Woolton Tutors, and a former biomedical scientist. He’s been tutoring for over ten years – please have a look here for more information. We have full DBS certificates available to view on request.
We also run one-to-one and masterclass sessions over the summer holidays.
Schedule for Topics 1-4 Year 12 AQA A-level biology exam technique masterclasses 2025/2026
Live tutorial sessions looking at different topics and A-level biology exam technique each week.
All sessions start at 6:30pm (18:30 GMT) on Tuesday evenings (please arrive online 5 minutes before if possible)
Email John@wooltontutors.co.uk for a chat about your needs, and to book your place.
| 30/09/25 | Cell structure |
| 07/10/25 | Studying Cells |
| 14/10/25 | Monomers and polymers |
| 21/10/25 | Carbohydrates |
| 04/11/25 | Lipids |
| 11/11/25 | Proteins and enzymes |
| 18/11/25 | Water and inorganic ions and ATP |
| 25/11/25 | DNA and RNA |
| 02/12/25 | DNA replication |
| 09/12/25 | Mitosis and changes leading to cancer |
| 16/12/25 | Recap and Quiz |
| 06/01/26 | Transport across cell membranes |
| 13/01/26 | The immune system and vaccines 1 |
| 20/01/26 | The immune system and vaccines 2 |
| 27/01/26 | HIV, viruses and antigenic variation |
| 03/02/26 | Surface area to volume ratio |
| 10/02/26 | Gas exchange in insects and fish |
| 11/02/26 | Gas exchange in humans |
| 24/02/26 | Haemoglobin and oxygen dissociation |
| 03/03/26 | Digestion and absorption |
| 10/03/26 | Mass transport in animals (the heart) |
| 17/03/26 | Mass transport in plants (xylem and phloem) |
| 24/03/26 | Mass transport in plants 2 (xylem and phloem) |
| 31/03/26 | DNA, genes and chromosomes: the genetic code |
| 07/04/26 | Protein synthesis (transcription and translation) |
| 14/04/26 | Genetic diversity – mutations and meiosis |
| 21/04/26 | Genetic diversity – adaptation |
| 28/04/26 | Species and taxonomy |
| 05/05/26 | Biodiversity within a community |
| 12/05/26 | Investigating diversity |
| 19/05/26 | Exam paper session |
| 26/05/26 | Exam paper session |
| 02/06/26 | Exam paper session |
| 09/06/26 | Exam paper session |
Schedule for Year 13 A-level biology exam technique masterclasses 2025/2026
Live tutorial sessions looking at different topics and A-level biology exam technique each week.
All sessions start 6:30pm GMT on Wednesday evenings (please arrive online 5 minutes before if possible)
Email John@wooltontutors.co.uk for a chat about your needs, and to book your place.
| 01/10/25 | Photosynthesis (1) |
| 08/10/25 | Photosynthesis (2) |
| 15/10/25 | Respiration (1) |
| 22/10/25 | Respiration (2) |
| 29/10/25 | * no session this week * |
| 05/11/25 | Energy and Ecosystems |
| 12/11/25 | Nutrient Cycles |
| 19/11/25 | Survival and response |
| 26/11/25 | Receptors |
| 03/12/25 | Control of heart rate |
| 10/12/25 | Nerves and impulses |
| 17/12/25 | Synapses |
| 07/01/26 | Muscles |
| 14/01/26 | AQA synoptic essay questions – special session! |
| 21/01/26 | Homeostasis and negative feedback |
| 28/01/26 | Control of blood glucose concentration |
| 04/02/26 | The kidney, control of waste and blood water potential |
| 11/02/26 | Inheritance 1 – genetic diagrams |
| 18/02/26 | Inheritance 2 – linkage and epistasis |
| 25/02/26 | Populations 1 – Hardy Weinberg, natural selection and speciation |
| 04/03/26 | Populations 2 – ecosystems and succession |
| 11/03/26 | Mutations and cancer and stem cells |
| 18/03/26 | Regulation of transcription and translation |
| 25/03/26 | Gene expression and cancer |
| 01/04/26 | Using genome projects |
| 08/04/26 | Recombinant DNA technology |
| 15/04/26 | DNA Probes and genetic fingerprinting |
| 24/04/26 – until exams | Practice papers, model essays and prep for exams 🙂 |
Jump to… useful details | how it works | FAQs | Schedule for topics 1 to 4 (Y12) | Schedule for topics 5-8 (Y13)
Please do get in touch for a chat about your needs and whether our A-level biology exam technique masterclass sessions are right for you.
I look forward to hearing from you,
John
John@wooltontutors.co.uk
Woolton Village, Liverpool, UK