GCSE Biology

As this is a one-year intensive course you are required to have:

• GCSE Grade D in science OR
• Successful completion of a science diagnostic assessment

During this course you will study:

• Cell biology
• Infection and response
• Bioenergetics
• Homeostasis and response
• Inheritance, variation and evolution
• Ecology

By studying this course you will:

• Understand how scientific methods and theories develop over time
• Use a variety of models such as representational, spatial, descriptive, computational and mathematical to solve problems, make predictions and to develop scientific explanations and understanding of familiar and unfamiliar facts.
• Appreciate the power and limitations of science and consider any ethical issues which may arise.
• Explain every day and technological applications of science; evaluate associated personal, social, economic and environmental implications; and make decisions based on the evaluation of evidence and arguments.
• Evaluate risks both in practical science and the wider social context, including perception of risk in relation to data and consequences.
• Recognise the importance of peer review of results and of communicating results to a range of audiences.
• Use scientific theories and explanations to develop hypotheses
• Plan experiments or devise procedures to make observations, produce or characterise a substance, test hypotheses, check data or explore phenomena.
• Apply a knowledge of a range of techniques, instruments, apparatus and materials to select those appropriate to the experiment.
• Carry out experiments appropriately having due regards to the correct manipulations of apparatus, the accuracy of measurements and health and safety considerations.
• Recognise when to apply a knowledge of sampling techniques to ensure any samples collected are representative.
• Make and record observations and measurements using a range of apparatus and methods.
• Evaluate methods and suggest possible improvements and further investigations.
• Present observations and other data using appropriate methods.
• Translate data from one form to another.
• Carry out and represent mathematical and statistical analysis.
• Represent distributions of results and make estimations of uncertainty.
• Interpret observations and other data, including identifying patterns and trends, making inferences and drawing conclusions.
• Present reasoned explanations including relating data to hypotheses.
• Being objective, evaluating data in terms of accuracy, precision, repeatability and reproducibility and identifying potential sources of random and systematic data.
• Communicate the scientific rationale for investigations, methods used, findings and reasoned conclusions through paper-based and electronic reports and presentations using verbal, diagrammatic, graphical, numerical and symbolic forms.

You will be assessed via two written exams of 100 marks each, lasting 1 hour - 45 minutes.

Questions consist of:

• Multiple choice
• Structure, closed short answer
• Open response

Practical competences are assessed through ten compulsory practicals during the course.

After you have successfully completed this course you can:

• Progress on to higher education, apprenticeships or employment.

You will carry out practical sessions in our well-equipped science labs and throughout the course will have the opportunity to go on science-related educational visits and field trips.