This one year ‘Fast Track’ course is suitable for those who require a GCSE in Biology (Science) at grade 4 (C) or above to progress to further study on College programmes such as ‘ACCESS to Higher Education’, or for those who plan to study at degree level, since the great majority of universities now expect applicants to have a good GCSE in this subject.
This is an intensive GCSE programme, and entrants are therefore required to have already achieved GCSE Science at grade 3 (D). It is possible to make exceptions, at the discretion of the course leader, and all applicants need to complete an entry assessment to a satisfactory standard and to attend an information session before you can be offered a place on this course.
Full-time students who apply for Fast Track GCSE Biology need to be studying a main qualification at level 2 or above.
If you are not sure about the suitability of this course, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice.
This qualification is linear. Linear means that students will sit all their exams at the end of the course.
Subject content
Recommended:
AQA GCSE Biology 8461.
Your overall grade will be based on:
Cell biology; Organisation; Infection and response; and Bioenergetics – Examination (1 hour 45 minutes) – Paper 1 (50% of GCSE).
Homeostasis and response; Inheritance, variation and evolution; and Ecology – Examination (1 hour 45 minutes) – Paper 2 (50% of GCSE).
For the award of the GCSE in Biology students must complete both assessments.
You can study the GCSE Biology as part of a full-time study programme, or as a part-time course for 3 hours a week. You also need to be able to commit to doing between 4 and 6 hours of self-study per week.
You will be encouraged to learn independently as well as in groups, using a range of tools such as computers, textbooks and videos. Homework and all written feedback will be submitted online.
A grade 4 or above in GCSE Biology (or science) is a requirement for many level 3 courses, and some diplomas in ACCESS to Higher Education. It is also part of the entry criteria for many university courses, including those leading to a career in the medical sector.