Course information
Covering a broad range of topics, from cell and plant life to ecology and food production, the International GCSE Biology course is a popular choice for students that require a basic level of biological understanding before studying the topic at A level.
The course itself is made up of five modules.
- Module 1: Cells and Organisms
- Module 2: Plant and Animal Physiology A
- Module 3: Plant and Animal Physiology B
- Module 4: Inheritance
- Module 5: Ecology and Food Production
There are 23 lessons and 13 tutor-marked assessments, two of which are mock examinations. Each lesson will challenge the student, helping them to achieve the targets set throughout each module. This, in turn, will prepare them for future examinations. A more comprehensive summary can be found in the course introduction.
Practical Work
Throughout the course, there will be a mixture of both theoretical and practical science,
The practical work described at various places in this course is to help to develop your skills for the practical-based components of the theory exams. You should try to carry out this work yourself; if you can undertake some of it at home, this will be a great help.
Three of the lessons are devoted to the development of practical skills
The exam will include written questions on practical based study. There is no practical examination.
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Online Course? Paper Based? Somewhere in between? It’s your choice!
All of our International GCSE Biology students receive:
- Traditional printed learning materials
- Access to our online resources with on-the-go access to all your regular lessons
- Unmatched support by a fully qualified teacher online and by phone
Examinations and Assessment
The Oxford Home Schooling International GCSE Biology course matches the content of the Edexcel 4BI1 International GCSE specification for examination in summer 2022 and later years. The examinations taken on the Biology course are split into two.
The first – Paper 1 – is out of 120 marks and contributes to 61% of the final mark. This examination will last for two hours and covers the core topics only.
The second examination – Paper 2 – covers both the core and higher topics. This paper is out of 60 marks and lasts for 75 minutes.
Course duration and study time
When you enrol with Oxford Home Schooling we will agree on an intended examination date with you. Your support will last all the way up to this examination date, regardless of whether you decide to do the course in 9 months or 30.
The recommended number of study hours for this course is 200 hours.
Course price
The course fee for our International GCSE Biology course is £395.
You may pay using our interest-free easy payment scheme. Pay a £79 deposit followed by eight monthly instalments of £39.50.
Multiple courses attract a discount. See our pricing page for further details.
You will receive support from a fully-qualified tutor holding either a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) or a degree in education.
This support includes:
- Marking all assignments for the course
- Written answers to specific study problems
- Telephone contact
When you begin this course, you will agree an examination date or dates with your Student Adviser. Your support period lasts up to this examination date.
What’s next?
After completing their International GCSE Biology, many students go on to study any one of or all of the sciences at A level. From here, they will have a number of options, including university study as well as a range of professional careers.
Applying for a BTEC is another option that’s open to students that pass their International GCSE Biology, with Health and Social Care and Public Services being two of the most popular choices.
A career in biological science?
Learn the fundamentals of biology, enhance your knowledge and equip yourself with a solid foundation on which a career in science can be built. Our Biology course is a home educated course that will equip you with everything you need to study the course at a higher level in the future.
In terms of career options, the skills and knowledge that students learn while studying for their Biology International GCSE provide them with plenty of opportunities. Not only does a Biology International GCSE provide a clear path into the NHS, it is also beneficial for students looking to explore a career in science, research or the environment.
Supported by Online Videos
In association with Twig World, The Biology International GCSE is enriched by extensive links to appropriate films (and other supporting material), lesson by lesson. The student hops from the course materials to the films and back again.
To access the films, students need a password, supplied at enrolment. Students also need internet access and an e-mail account to benefit from this extraordinary resource which is offered as a “free” extra to students on the relevant courses.
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