Biology GCSE

Exam Board: AQA RFD/OCR Cheltenham Fast Track: N/A Daytime: RFD Evening: Cheltenham Exams: Unit 1 Biology 1 1 hour 25% Unit 2 Biology 2 1 hour 25% Unit 3 Biology 3 1 hour 25% Unit 4 Biology 4 assessment 25% Where will this qualification take me? With successful completion of 5 x GCSEs at Grade A* to C including English Language and maths you will be entitled to progress onto an AS programme. What will I be doing on the course? You will study the systems of the body including the digestive, nervous, reproductive, respiratory and circulatory systems; how the structures of our bodies, from the simplest cell to the most complex organs, are all designed for their function. You will also study the growth and importance of plants and you will investigate the environment around us as all organisms interact in ecosystems. This is an enjoyable and challenging level 2 course. Additional Information ~ Cheltenham Evening Class only: The evening course run in the evening in Cheltenham is only taught to Foundation level given the time constraint; therefore anyone wishing to be entered for the Higher paper would need to work independently or attend the day course.

For full time students the course will form part of a larger programme of study which consists of timetabled sessions, enrichment activities, work experience and private study time. To achieve this a student will normally be asked to select from columns of the 6th Form matrix in each year of study. If a student falls below this programme requirement they may be classed as part time by some external agencies and may be required to pay fees for their tuition and/or exams. Please check with the tutor at interview that the subjects you have selected form a full-time programme. Every full time 6th Form student will have a personal tutor and will study a tutorial programme. The tutor will be responsible for the pastoral care of the student and for the tracking and monitoring of their progress on the course. This subject can be selected on its own for part time study for which tuition fees may be payable (please consult Student Services for fee concessions). Part time students may also be required to pay exam fees. You may have the opportunity to go on trips during the year. A small charge will be payable for these visits.

Students should already have achieved 5 GCSE's at grade D or above including English language and maths, and show an interest in the subject, or have been accepted on the Step-up course at RFD

Progression from GCSEs will normally be to AS Level (or equivalent vocational course) or to employment. Progression from AS Level will normally be to A2, and then on to employment or Higher Education.

96.4% GCSE pass rate in June 2012 with over 40% A* - C in English and Maths

Chris GCSE Biology Chris, 17 previously attended Dene Magna School and is now currently working towards his GCSE qualification in Biology with the hope of becoming a paramedic in the future. “I would recommend studying at Gloucestershire College as the level of support is brilliant. The lecturers really help you to get through the course and provide lots of help using the various resources that the college offers. It has made me come back into learning and I am hoping to enrol on a Level 3 Health and Social Care course at the college to help me with my future plans.”

Please contact the College on 0845 155 2020 for further details