GCSE Biology

This one-year course provides the foundations of understanding the natural biological world. Practical work is an important part of the course and learners have to complete a range of specified practical’s to prepare for the written exams.

You will be taught through lectures, practical work, assignments and videos and you will have access to fully equipped laboratories. You will experience several different methods of assessment to monitor your progress. If you have difficulty accessing the course, you may be eligible for learning support. The GCSE exam has two tiers of study; a foundation level and a higher level. Classes will be taught at the foundation level but with some additional material which will be most relevant to support further study. This will allow you to gain up to grade 5, equivalent to a B in the old GCSE, which is sufficient for progression to Access to HE courses or QTS for those planning to go into teaching. Students who demonstrate that they have done the required additional self-study can be entered for the higher level.

Formative assessment during the course includes practical work, study questions, problem sheets and independent learning.

There are 2 written exam papers, both 1 hour 45 minutes long. Paper 1 (Breadth in Biology) is usually taken in May. Paper 2 (Depth in Biology) is typically in early June. Both written papers use a mix of multiple choice style questions, short answer questions and extended response questions to assess knowledge and understanding.

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What topics will I study?

Topics include:

• Molecular and cellular structure of both humans and plants
• Systems of the body such as circulatory, respiratory, digestive, nervous, muscular, skeletal and reproductive
• Photosynthesis and ecosystems, including food production
• Growth, development, healthy lifestyles and genetics are also covered.

Next steps: This course is designed to help those achieve the entry requirements for the Access to HE Diplomas in Science and Healthcare. It is also a requirement to gain QTS for those who already have a PGCE or are planning to take a PGCE for primary level teaching.

You will have achieved or be working towards a grade C or 4 in GCSE English Language and GCSE Mathematics, (many students take one of these courses alongside this course to work towards these levels). We do not advise adult learners who do not currently have either GCSE English Grade 4 or GCSE Maths Grade 4 to study this course in the same year but to plan to complete their English and maths first and then progress to this course in the following year. Please contact the course organiser (susanday@exe-coll.ac.uk) prior to starting the course if you are unsure if you have the skills required to succeed in the course.

You will have access to new fully equipped laboratories and PCs as well as access to a Learning Resource Centre (LRC).

Text book RRP £19.99 plus revision guide £9.99. You will also need a scientific calculator such as the Casio FX-83GTPLUS.
For any fee-related queries or further information, please contact the Adult Advisers on 01392 400170.