GCSE Biology

Course Overview

GCSE Biology offers students the chance to study the biological sciences and to achieve one Grade (9-1).

GCSE Biology helps students to develop a good understanding of the world of living things, from how a basic cell works to the complexities of an ecosystem. This topic-based specification is designed to encourage students to adopt a practical enquiry approach, which helps to develop practical Science skills.

Lessons will consist of lectures, practical work and group work. There will be regular homework and you will need to spend at least three hours per week on additional study and revision.  There are 10 required practical activities that need to be completed during the course.

What You Will Study

You will learn the basic concepts of biology through the study of seven topics:

• Cells
• Organisation
• Infection and response
• Bioenergetics
• Homeostasis and response
• Inheritance, variation and evolution
• Ecology

• Attendance Expectations

  The course is currently taught on a Tuesday evening from 6.00pm-9.00pm.

• How You Will Be Assessed

  You will be assessed by two externally-set written exams, taken at the end of the year. Each exam is 1 hour 45 minutes long and contributes 50% of your final grade. You can be entered for either the Foundation tier (Grades 5-1) or Higher Tier (Grades 9-4).

• Entry Requirements

  Ideally you will have GCSE Grade 4 (or O Level) in English and Maths or have achieved Level 2 Functional Skills in both. However, if you have a GCSE Grade 3, you could prove your ability on the BKSB tests when you come in to enrol. It is possible to complete 2 GCSE’s in one year, however, it is not possible to complete 3 GCSEs in Maths, English and Biology in an academic year.

  It would also be useful to have a minimum of Grade 3 in GCSE Core Science (single award) or Grade 3 in Core and Additional Science or Grade 3s in Dual Award Science.

• Fee Information

  £400

• Further Study

  A Grade 4 or higher in GCSE Biology could possibly allow admission to the Access to HE Healthcare pathway course.

  It is generally not suitable if you are wishing to study on the Access to HE Science pathway.