Course overview
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If you add on the exams, we will book and pay for your exams and practical sessions on your behalf. These 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 grades 1-5, please choose our GCSE Biology – Foundation Tier.
Recognition
Study method
- Online
- Blended
- In-class
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Duration study load
You have 1 full year to complete your course which starts from your enrolment date. During this time, you have access to full tutor support through email.
Entry requirements
There are no specific entry requirements for this course.
Course features
- Dedicated personal tutor support
- Dedicated student support
- Accreditation
- Assignment marking and feedback
- Free CV critique service
- Free employability guide to help you impress future employers
- Free XO Student Discounts card
- Comprehensive study guide*
- Open Study College pen and highlighter*
- Student study planner*
- Student notebook*
- Document wallet*
* Not included with the online study option
Assessment
To achieve a GCSE Higher Tier in Biology you will be assessed across the above sections. All sections will be assessed by 2 paper-based examinations.
A range of practical skills for this course will be assessed through written exams. This course includes 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.
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)
Delivery
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!
Subjects
About Open Study College
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Established in 2007, Open Study College (OSC) is a distance learning course provider that has helped over 120,000 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 OSC 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, OSC 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? Your learning journey has no end at Open Study College. 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.
