Course overview
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 the highest grade students choosing Foundation Tier Biology can achieve is 5. Students will be awarded a grade in the range of 1-5. Students who fail to meet the minimum standard for grade 1 will be recorded as U (unclassified) and will not receive a qualification certificate. This course can be completed without taking the exams and practical.
For students wishing to achieve grade 6-9, please choose our GCSE Biology – Higher Tier.
Recognition
Study method
- Online
- Blended
- In-class
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
You do not need any previous knowledge to enrol on this course. This course is for students aiming to achieve grades 1-5.
If you are wishing to study towards grades 4-9 choose GCSE Biology Higher Tier.
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 Foundation 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 1-5 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 4-9, please choose our GCSE Biology Higher 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
At Open Study College we have helped more than 90,000 students over the last 13 years to enrol on courses that have helped them to achieve their goals.
Offering over 650 courses ranging from childcare to beauty therapy, we have something for everybody. All of our qualifications are independently accredited by established awarding organisations to provide courses such as A-Levels, GCSEs, and CACHE.
We have a fantastic team of expert tutors, knowledgeable and friendly student advisors and a caring student support team. We’re dedicated to supporting our students and pride ourselves on our service and care. We’re also proud to be rated 4.8 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot from over 1,500 reviews.
Family, respect and compassion are just some of the core values our company is built upon. Everyone’s lives are different and we want to ensure that no matter what your situation is, you’re able to get to where you need to. Whether that’s developing your current job, embarking on a brand new career, or fuelling a hobby, we have the course for you.
