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GCSE Biology – Higher Tier

Course Codes

OSC1358 / OSC1359

Achieve a GCSE in Higher Tier Biology with this distance learning course from Open Study College. With our online GCSEs you can gain an official qualification whilst you study whenever and wherever suits you. We will even book your exams for you if you choose to enrol on a package.

  • Achieve an accredited AQA Higher Tier GCSE in Biology
  • Gain an understanding of biological facts, concepts and principles
  • Develop your interest in the study of living organisms
  • Gain a recognised qualification for further studies
  • Choose to study online or via printed materials with a study pack
  • Enrol on a package to include exams and practicals and we'll book your exams for you!
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Course overview

GCSEs are recognised qualifications that are often a gateway to further learning. GCSEs are one of the most popular and sought after level 2 qualifications in the UK. Core subjects consist of Mathematics, English and Science, and are key requirements for many jobs and entry to further levels of study.

With our GCSE Biology course you will learn about topics such as cell biology, infection and response and bioenergetics.

You have the option of adding on both the exams and practicals you need to sit to complete your GCSE biology qualification. We will book and pay for your exams and practicals for you, all you need to do is learn your stuff! Exams must be taken at our Birmingham exam centre, so please ensure you’re able to travel to this location. The dates for the practical sessions will be during the Easter holidays.

Please note: students choosing Higher Tier Biology will achieve a grade between 4 to 9.  Students who just fail to achieve grade 4 will be awarded an allowed grade 3. Students who fail to meet the minimum standard for an allowed grade 3 will be recorded as U (unclassified) and will not receive a qualification certificate.

For students wishing to achieve grade 1-5, please choose our GCSE Biology – Foundation Tier.

Course Duration

Up to 1 year.

Course Outcome

GCSE Higher Tier in Biology (you must take the exams and practical to achieve this).

Entry Requirements

There are no specific entry requirements for this course.

Assessment

2 paper-based exams and practical assessments.

Course content

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Extra info

Assessment

To achieve a GCSE Foundation Tier in Biology you will be assessed across the above sections.

In order to successfully complete the GCSE Biology course, you will need to pass two GCSE written examinations and undertake a series of practicals. These must be conducted under supervision at an examination centre.

Questions in the written exams will draw on the knowledge and understanding students have gained by carrying out the practical activities. These questions will count for at least 15% of the overall marks for the qualification.

This course comes with the option of including practicals and exams in the cost of the course. We will book and pay for these on your behalf when you’re ready to take them if you choose to add on exams. If you choose this option, our GCSE exam centre locations for this course are as follows:

  • Birmingham
  • Coventry
  • Doncaster
  • Bolton
  • Wimbledon
  • Taunton
  • St Neots

Please note, if you choose to add your practical sessions to your enrolment, you will need to complete both your practicals and written exams at our Birmingham centre.

A more detailed breakdown of the assessment details is provided below.

Course Duration

You have 1 full year to complete your GCSE biology course which starts from your enrolment date. During this time, you have access to full tutor support through email.

Course Requirements

You do not need any previous knowledge to enrol on our GCSE biology course.

Study Method

Study for your GCSE biology around your life commitments. Whether that’s alongside work, college or family – study at a pace that suits you.

Choose to study online or from a course pack. As long as you have your study materials, you can study wherever you want.

Tutor support is available through email, so help is only a click away!

Course Outcome

Once you have studied the course and successfully passed the examinations, you will be awarded your AQA GCSE biology.

You will achieve grade between 4-9 with the higher tier paper. If you just fail to achieve grade 4, you will be awarded an allowed grade 3.

Students who fail to meet the minimum standard for an allowed grade 3 will be recorded as U (unclassified) and will not receive a qualification certificate.

For students wishing to study towards grades 1-5, please choose our GCSE Biology Foundation Tier course.

Exam details

Paper 1

  • Type: Written examination
  • Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Weighting: 50% of GCSE
  • Total Marks: 100
  • Question type: multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response
  • Assessed: Topics 1-4 (cell biology; organisation; infection and response; bioenergetics)

Paper 2

  • Type: Written examination
  • Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Weighting: 50% of the GCSE
  • Total Marks:100
  • Question type: multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response
  • Assessed: Topics 5-7 (homeostasis and response; inheritance, variation and evolution; ecology)

Q&As

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