GCSE Biology
Key Details
- Available at:Rhos-on-Sea
- Study Mode:Part-time
- Course Length:
30 weeks, 3 hours per week
GCSE BiologyPart-time Courses
Courses for 23/24 are now full.
For courses starting in September 2024, applications will be open from June 2024.
Please refer to our FAQs at the bottom of this page which may answer some questions for you.
Course Description
GCSE Biology offers you the opportunity to study the science of life from single-celled organisms to global ecosystems.
Who is the course aimed at?
Anyone interested in gaining a GCSE or wanting to improve on a previously achieved grade.
Key Topics covered:
The course consists of the following units:
Unit 1: CELLS, ORGAN SYSTEMS and ECOSYSTEMS
Topic areas include: enzymes, circulatory system, respiratory system, photosynthesis, food chains and food webs.
Written examination: A mix of short answer questions, structured questions, extended writing and data response questions with some set in a practical context.
Unit 2: VARIATION, HOMEOSTASIS and MICRO-ORGANISMS
Topic areas include: renal system, nervous system, microbiology and the immune system.
Written examination: A mix of short answer questions, structured questions, extended writing and data response questions with some set in a practical context.
Unit 3: PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT
A practical assessment that will be carried out in college.
Cost
£80 tuition fee. £40 exam fee. Concessions are available, please upload proof of concession availability when you enrol online.
Entry Criteria
There are no entry requirements for this course, although a good understanding of basic science concepts is strongly recommended.
If you have not taken the exam previously, or if it was taken a considerable time ago, your tutor will have a chat with you to determine whether this course is right for you.
You must live within easy access of a Grwp Llandrillo Menai campus as you will need to attend a campus to undertake your assessments and exams.
Delivery
Face to face teaching
Discussions
Group work
Regular homework will be set
Assessment
Two written exams and a Practical assessment
Progression
You could choose one of the many different courses available at Grŵp Llandrillo Menai.
Other details
Course type: Part-time Courses
Level:
2
Programme Area:
- GCSEs
Bilingual:
n/a
Part-time GCSEs: Frequently Asked Questions
What GCSE’s do you offer and where?
- English Language - Abergele, Bangor, Llangefni, Rhos-on-Sea, Rhyl, Online
- Welsh (2nd Language) - Online only
- Mathematics - Bangor, Llangefni, Rhos-on-Sea, Rhyl, Online
- Mathematics (Numeracy) - Abergele, Bangor, Llangefni, Rhos-on-Sea, Rhyl, Online
- Biology - Bangor (provisionally), Rhos and Rhyl
What time are the GCSE courses?
The time and location of the part-time GCSE courses will be available on the website (May/June each year).
How much will they cost?
The total cost is £120. Tuition fee is £80, the exam fee is £40.
You may be eligible for a concession.
How can I find out if I am eligible for a concession?
Please visit the Fees and Concessions page for more information
What is the process for applying for part time GCSE courses?
All part-time GCSE courses are applied for through the website.
How do I pay for my GCSE course?
You will be contacted by someone from the college to make a secure payment over the phone.
I am under 16, can I do my GCSE’s at college?
If you are home-schooled and not in statutory education, you can attend GCSE classes at college. You will need to have an appropriate chaperone with you at each lesson. Fees are charged at the usual college rates.
Before you enrol, we suggest your parents contact Learner Services for more information.
I have applied for a full-time course, can I do my GCSE re-sit as well?
Yes. If you have a grade D, we will enrol you onto the appropriate GCSE resit. If your grade is below a grade D, we will enrol you onto an appropriate Essential Skills program to help you develop the necessary skills to be able to access the GCSE in the future.
If you have a grade C or above but would like to improve on this you will have the opportunity to do so.
I would like to apply for the GCSE Numeracy or Maths course. How do I know my maths skills are good enough to cope with the course?
Our tutors can assess if they think you may struggle with the GCSE content. If this is the case, they will discuss this with you and will signpost you to a more appropriate Maths course. This will help you to develop your skills before returning to the GCSE in the future.
What level is the GCSE Maths / GCSE Numeracy and can I get a grade C?
The intermediate paper will allow you to achieve a grade E to B.
If your tutor feels you have the potential to achieve higher than a grade B, they will discuss the opportunity of entering you for the higher tier paper.
What is the difference between the GCSE Maths and the GCSE Numeracy?
GCSE Mathematics-Numeracy will assess the mathematics that you will need and use in everyday life and the world of work.
GCSE Mathematics will extend to aspects of mathematics needed for progression to scientific, technical or further mathematical study.
If you have a particular progression route in mind, you should check what their specific requirements may be.
I would like to apply for the GCSE Welsh (Second Language) course. Is this course suitable for someone with a limited understanding of the Welsh language?
E.g. only knowing the Welsh alphabet, basic words, days, months and numbers. Or is it advised you already have a good understanding of the language
A good understanding of basic Welsh is required. If in doubt, please contact us and we can arrange for you to have an informal chat with one of our tutors.
I would like to do my GCSE course online - what equipment will I need?
You will need access to a PC, laptop or chromebook and you will need a reliable internet connection. Your device needs to have a webcam, microphone and speaker to allow you to engage fully in the lesson.
You will still need to attend a campus to sit key assessments and final exams, therefore you must live within travelling distance of a GLLM campus.
I am interested in the GCSE Biology, is this available online?
No. This course requires practical elements to be completed and these are only available on campus.
I still have a question about the GCSEs, is there somebody I can talk to?
Please contact Advice and Guidance to discuss your query further.
I have applied and paid for an online GCSE course that starts in September. When will I receive more information about start dates and times and how will I access the course?
You will be contacted directly by your tutor who will advise you of all the information you need prior to starting the course. It is very important that we have your email address as this is how the tutor will send you the information that you need.
Is it possible to sit GCSE as an external candidate without attending the course?
No, we do not accept external candidates for GCSEs. To be able to sit any GCSE exams at the college, you must enrol on the course.
I’m looking to study a GCSE online, where would I sit the exam?
At the start of your course, your tutor will ask you to tell them which campus you would like to sit the exam at. You will be able to choose the campus local to where you live. You can choose from: Bangor, Dolgellau, Glynllifon, Llangefni, Pwllheli, Rhos on Sea, Rhyl
Is there a closing date to apply for GCSE courses?
Once a course is full, or the start date has passed, the course will be removed from the website.
