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Course overview
- Achieve an accredited AQA GCSE Biology Higher Tier qualification.
- 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 add exams and practicals to your enrolment and we’ll organise and book these for you!
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 Higher 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! Exam and practicals must be taken at our Birmingham exam centre, so please ensure you’re able to travel to this location.
Please note: students choosing Higher Tier Biology will achieve a grade between 4 and 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 grades 1-5, please choose our GCSE Biology – Foundation Tier.
Course fees:
Course Material – Online – £499 / Study Pack – £539
Course Material + Exams + Practicals– £1,164 / Study Pack – £1,204
- Monthly instalment plan available
- No government funding available for this course
Recognition
Study method
- Online
- Blended
- In-class
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Duration study load
You have one full year to complete your GCSE Biology Higher Tier course which starts from your enrolment date. During this time, you have access to full tutor support through email.
Entry requirements
You do not need any previous knowledge to enrol on our GCSE Biology course.
Course features
Included in the cost of your GCSE Biology is the following:
- Dedicated personal tutor support
- Dedicated learner services
- Assignment marking and feedback
- Free CV critique service
- Free employability guide to help you impress future employers
- Free XO Student Discounts membership
- Open Study College pen, highlighter, and notebook*
* Not included with the online study option
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 to add your exams and practicals to your enrolment, you will need to sit your exams at our GCSE exam centre in Birmingham.
A more detailed breakdown of the assessment details is provided below.
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
- Weighing: 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
- Weighing: 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)
Practical assessment
You will undertake required practical activities to enhance your investigative thinking, improve techniques and consolidate your understanding of key scientific concepts. You will be required to attend the exam centre laboratory to conduct the practical session. This is a mandatory component of the qualification. Although you will not be assessed on your performance, there will be questions in your written exams related to the practical activities.
Delivery
This course will be studied entirely via distance learning, meaning you will complete your learning either from home or a place that suits you. Full tutor support will be available via email, so if you have any questions or need some guidance, your tutor will be here to help. Your course materials will include a series of self-assessment exercises and tutor-marked questions to allow both yourself and your tutor to monitor your progress.
The study method you choose depends on your personal learning style. Your options are:
- Study pack: if you choose the study pack option, you will be sent a set of printed course materials.
- Study online: if you choose this option, you will be sent your login details to our online portal through which you will access your course materials digitally. You can access your course via a desktop/laptop computer, tablet, or smartphone.
Is this the same qualification as a GCSE from a school or college?
Yes! Our online GCSEs are exactly the same as those studied in school or college, accredited by the awarding body AQA. We have to undergo rigorous assessments to ensure our course content is up to AQA’s standard.
Subjects
About Open Study College
Established in 2007, Open Study College is a distance learning course provider that has helped over 130,000 learners take the next step towards achieving their ambitions.
With over 700 courses, ranging from A Levels and GCSEs through to childcare and beauty therapy — there’s something for everyone. All of their qualifications are independently accredited by established awarding organisations, fully equipping you for the future.
Why choose Open Study College?
Whether you’re in full-time work or have family commitments, distance learning at Open Study College provides the flexibility to create a study schedule that fits around the busy demands of day-to-day life. Accomplish your goals — at your pace, on your terms.
You will also receive the best possible support from the uber-friendly learner services team, as well as guidance from expert tutors who are on hand to answer any queries you might have throughout the duration of your course.
What makes Open Study College different?
Born from a genuine passion to improve the lives of others through education, Open Study College is a family-run business with decades of experience in the education and distance learning industry.
Seeking a career change? Didn’t get the exam results you wanted? Looking to learn a new skill? Enrol on one of their courses today and forge the future you’ve always wanted — all from the comfort of your own home!
Additional benefits
As an Open Study College learner, your benefits will include an XO Student Discounts membership, exclusive savings on future courses and a complete range of career support — including a free CV critique service, a free employability guide, and job-hunting help from their recruitment experts.
