Our weekly A-level biology exam technique masterclasses focus on a different topic each week, helping with these common 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 understand *this topic* – can you help?
John’s masterclasses gave me a different perspective to my school lessons, and time to think about my biology every week. – Jess, one of my online A-level biology tutees in year 13.
A-level biology exam technique masterclasses – useful details
Masterclass sessions complement the course taught in schools and colleges with weekly exam technique and exam practice. Our tutoring is 5-star rated on Google – bookings are made on a first come first served basis and spaces fill up quickly!
I offer separate sessions for students with the AQA or Edexcel A exam boards (for other boards, such as OCR A, see here).
Cost: £35 per 55 minute session
Contact John@wooltontutors.co.uk to enquire and book.
Exam technique for AQA A-level biology topics 1 to 4 (Y12)
18:05pm GMT Tuesday evenings
Jump to schedule for Year 12 AQA A-level biology for 2026/27
Exam technique for AQA A-level biology topics 5 to 8 (Y13)
18:05pm GMT Wednesday evenings
Jump to schedule Year 13 AQA A-level biology for 2026/27
NEW! Exam technique for Edexcel A Salters-Nuffield (SNAB) A-level biology (Y13)
18:05pm GMT Thursday evenings
Jump to schedule Year 13 AQA A-level biology for 2026/27
Please enquire for our prospective Year 12 class.
Jump to… useful details | how it works | FAQs | Schedule for AQA topics 1 to 4 (Y12) | Schedule for AQA topics 5-8 (Y13) | Schedule for Edexcel A topics 5-8 (Y13)
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. Sessions run with a minimum of two students with usual group sizes around six students.
- During the masterclass, John takes students through real exam questions, explaining how to approach different question types, discussing model answers and tips and tricks to get all the marks. (I’ve written companion blog posts and study guides if you’d like to have a look.)
- Each weekly session centres around a different topic (see the schedules below) – useful for revising what you’ve recently covered in school or college.
- When appropriate, we may spend some time exploring a topic behind the questions, to make things clear and boost your understanding.
- Sessions focus on exam technique, recall of knowledge (AO1) applying your knowledge (AO2) and evaluating data (AO3), common in “describe and explain”, “evaluate” and “application” questions.
- 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.
- 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, listen and make notes, that’s fine too.) You will never be put on the spot.
- I’m very happy to answer individual questions about your biology course throughout the week via online chat or Whatsapp (this is included in the price and open to all students).
- The sessions are designed for motivated students who want the most out of their A-levels.
I want you to feel as comfortable and supported as possible. I believe this is the best atmosphere to learn.
Schedule for Year 12 AQA A-level biology exam technique masterclasses 2026/2027
Live tutorial sessions looking at different topics and A-level biology exam technique each week.
All sessions start at 6:05pm (18:05 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.
| 29/09/26 | Carbohydrates |
| 06/10/26 | Lipids |
| 13/10/26 | Proteins and enzymes |
| 20/10/26 | Cell structure |
| 27/10/26 | Studying Cells |
| 03/11/26 | Monomers and polymers |
| 10/11/26 | Water and inorganic ions and ATP |
| 17/11/26 | DNA and RNA |
| 24/11/26 | DNA and RNA |
| 01/12/26 | Mitosis and changes leading to cancer |
| 08/12/26 | Mitosis and changes leading to cancer |
| 15/12/26 | Pre-holiday mixed questions challenge! |
| 05/01/27 | Transport across cell membranes |
| 12/01/27 | The immune system and vaccines 1 |
| 19/01/27 | The immune system and vaccines 2 |
| 26/01/27 | Special session: How to revise and make a revision plan |
| 02/02/27 | Gas exchange in insects, fish and plants |
| 09/02/27 | Gas exchange in humans |
| 16/02/27 | Surface area to volume ratio (mixed questions) |
| 23/02/27 | Digestion and absorption |
| 02/03/27 | Haemoglobbin |
| 09/03/27 | Mass transport in animals (the heart) |
| 16/03/27 | Mass transport in plants (xylem and phloem) |
| 23/03/27 | Mass transport in plants 2 (xylem and phloem) |
| 30/03/27 | DNA, genes and chromosomes: the genetic code |
| 06/04/27 | Protein synthesis (transcription and translation) |
| 13/04/27 | Genetic diversity – meiosis |
| 20/04/27 | Genetic diversity – mutations leading to adaptation |
| 27/04/27 | biodiversity |
| 04/05/27 | Exam paper session |
| 11/05/27 | Exam paper session |
| 18/05/27 | Exam paper session |
Schedule for Year 13 AQA A-level biology exam technique masterclasses 2026/2027
Live tutorial sessions looking at different topics and A-level biology exam technique each week.
All sessions start 6:05pm 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.
16/06/2027Exam paper session
| 30/09/26 | exam paper 1 (and introduction to year 13) |
| 07/10/26 | Photosynthesis 1 |
| 14/10/26 | Photosynthesis 2 |
| 21/10/26 | Respiration 1 |
| 28/10/26 | Respiration 2 |
| 04/11/26 | Energy and Ecosystems |
| 11/11/26 | Nutrient Cycles |
| 18/11/26 | Survival and response |
| 25/11/26 | Receptors |
| 02/12/26 | Nerves and impulses |
| 09/12/26 | Synapses |
| 16/12/26 | Control of heart rate |
| 06/01/27 | Muscles |
| 13/01/27 | AQA synoptic essay questions – special session! |
| 20/01/27 | Homeostasis and negative feedback and blood glucose |
| 27/01/27 | The kidney, control of waste and blood water potential |
| 03/02/27 | Paper 1 practice |
| 10/02/27 | Inheritance 1 – genetic diagrams |
| 17/02/27 | Inheritance 2 – linkage and epistasis |
| 24/02/27 | Populations 1 – Hardy Weinberg, and speciation |
| 03/03/27 | Populations 2 – ecosystems and succession |
| 10/03/27 | Mutations and cancer and stem cells |
| 17/03/27 | Regulation of transcription and translation |
| 24/03/27 | Gene expression and cancer (and stem cells go through) |
| 31/03/27 | Using genome projects |
| 07/04/27 | Recombinant DNA technology |
| 14/04/27 | DNA Probes and genetic fingerprinting |
| 21/04/27 | Exam papers and topic requests until exams |
Schedule for Year 13 Edexcel A Salters Nuffield (SNAB) A-level biology exam technique masterclasses 2026/2027
Live tutorial sessions looking at different topics and A-level biology exam technique each week.
All sessions start 6:05pm GMT on Thursday 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.
| 01/10/26 | Topic 1: Mass Transport and the Cardiovascular System | ||
| 08/10/26 | Topic 1: Cardiovascular disease and Energy | ||
| 15/10/26 | Topic 1: Diet, Carbohydrates and fats | ||
| 22/10/26 | Special session – how to revise effectively | ||
| 29/10/26 | Topic 2: Gas exchange | ||
| 05/11/26 | Topic 2: DNA and proteins | ||
| 12/11/26 | Topic 2: Inheritance | ||
| 19/11/26 | Topic 3: Cells | ||
| 26/11/26 | Topic 3: Reproduction and meiosis | ||
| 03/12/26 | Topic 3: Stem cells and variation | ||
| 10/12/26 | Topic 4: biodiversity | ||
| 17/12/26 | Topic 4: plant cells | ||
| 07/01/27 | Mixed question quiz! | ||
| 14/01/27 | Topic 5: Photosynthesis | ||
| 21/01/27 | Topic 5: Succession | ||
| 28/01/27 | Topic 5: Evolution, Natural Selection and Speciation | ||
| 04/02/27 | Topic 6: DNA profiling | ||
| 11/02/27 | Topic 6: Immunity | ||
| 18/02/27 | Topic 6: mixed exam questions | ||
| 25/02/27 | Topic 7: muscles | ||
| 04/03/27 | Topic 7: respiration | ||
| 11/03/27 | Topic 7: homeostasis | ||
| 18/03/27 | Topic 8: Nervous system | ||
| 25/03/27 | Topic 8: Nervous system (2) | ||
| 01/04/27 | Topic 8: The brain | ||
| 08/04/27 | Exam papers and requests until exams | ||
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.
Can I “cherry-pick” sessions or should I attend regularly?
Feel free to select specific sessions when you get in touch to book. However, most of my masterclass students attend weekly. Often a weekly session is the best way to practice the exam techniques and common approaches to questions as part of your revision.
As it’s a small group masterclass, will I get a chance to contribute?
The sessions run with a minimum of two and usually groups of around six-eight. The sessions thrive on interaction and there is always plenty of time to ask questions. I find discussion around biology really motivates and boosts confidence. My aim is to create a warm, friendly session that will become a helpful part of your (or your child’s) learning routine.
I’m a little nervous. What are the sessions like?
I want you to feel comfortable in the masterclass sessions. You will never be put on the spot to answer questions (but the option to contribute is always open to you). If you want to attend the sessions to make notes without saying anything that is completely fine. (It’s also fine to attend without your camera on). If there’s anything I need to know about you or if you have any questions, please get in touch.
What about help between sessions?
All my students are welcome contact me at any time via Teams, Whatsapp or email for help – perhaps to check answers to exam questions or clarify details etc. “I think I’ll ask John if he can explain this…” is the kind of vibe I’m going for. I want to be as supportive as I can be to you and your studies.
How do I book a place?
Just email John@wooltontutors.co.uk and tell me which session(s) you’d like to attend.
I’m with a different exam board – like OCR or Edexcel B – is there a masterclass for me?
While the current masterclasses are based on the AQA or Edexcel A (SNAB) specifications, 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 B students – please email John@wooltontutors.co.uk to register your interest.
The AQA masterclass sessions are designed to support International (Oxford AQA) A-level biology students too – get in touch to find out more.
You might also consider our one-to-one A-level biology tutoring – We’re currently helping many OCR and Edexcel B 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 course 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.
What about my other A-level subjects?
Many of the exam technique skills we will develop are transferable – many students have found their grades in other A-level subjects improve alongside biology, especially in subjects where applied knowledge is important.
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.
Jump to… useful details | how it works | FAQs | Schedule for AQA topics 1 to 4 (Y12) | Schedule for AQA topics 5-8 (Y13) | Schedule for Edexcel A topics 5-8 (Y13)
Do you have questions? 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