What You Will Study
You will learn the basic concepts of biology through the study of seven topics:
- Cells
- Organisation
- Infection and response
- Bioenergetics
- Homeostasis and response
- Inheritance, variation and evolution
- Ecology
- Attendance Expectations
The course is currently taught on a Monday evening from 6.00pm-9.00pm.
- How You Will Be Assessed
You will be assessed by two externally-set written exams, taken at the end of the year. Each exam is 1 hour 45 minutes long and contributes 50% of your final grade. You can be entered for either the Foundation tier (Grades 5-1) or Higher Tier (Grades 9-4).
- Entry Requirements
Ideally you will have GCSE Grade 4 (or O Level) in English and Maths or have achieved Level 2 Functional Skills in both. However, if you have a GCSE Grade 3, you could prove your ability on the BKSB tests when you come in to enrol. It is possible to complete 2 GCSE’s in one year, however, it is not possible to complete 3 GCSEs in Maths, English and Biology in an academic year.
It would also be useful to have a minimum of Grade 3 in GCSE Core Science (single award) or Grade 3 in Core and Additional Science or Grade 3s in Dual Award Science.
- Fee Information
These fees relate to 2024/25:
£400
- Further Study
A Grade 4 or higher in GCSE Biology could possibly allow admission to the Access to HE Healthcare pathway course.
It is generally not suitable if you are wishing to study on the Access to HE Science pathway.