Achieve your GCSE Biology Higher Tier qualification with this distance learning course from Adult Education College. With our online GCSEs, you can gain an official qualification whilst you study whenever and wherever suits you.
An outstanding 98% of our learners pass their GCSEs with us!
Pay monthly options available in checkout.
GCSE Biology (Higher Tier) by AQA.
Specification code 8461.
GCSEs are recognised qualifications that are often a gateway to further learning. GCSEs are one of the most popular and sought-after level 2 qualifications in the UK. Core subjects consist of Mathematics, English, and Science, and are key requirements for many jobs and entry to further levels of study.
With our GCSE Biology Higher course, you will learn about topics such as cell biology, infection and response, and bioenergetics.
You have the option of adding on both the exams and practicals you need to sit to complete your GCSE Biology qualification. We will book and pay for your exams and practicals for you, all you need to do is learn your stuff! Exam and practicals must be taken at our Birmingham exam centre, so please ensure you’re able to travel to this location.
Please note: students choosing Higher Tier Biology will achieve a grade between 4 and 9. Students who just fail to achieve grade 4 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 achieve grades 1-5, please choose our GCSE Biology – Foundation Tier.
Type: Written examination
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
Weighting: 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; and bioenergetics)
Type: Written examination
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
Weighting: 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; and ecology)
To achieve a GCSE Foundation Tier in Biology you will be assessed across the above sections.
In order to successfully complete the GCSE Biology course, you will need to pass two GCSE written examinations and undertake a series of practicals. These must be conducted under supervision at an examination centre.
Questions in the written exams will draw on the knowledge and understanding students have gained by carrying out the practical activities. These questions will count for at least 15% of the overall marks for the qualification.
This course comes with the option of including 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 if you choose to add on exams. If you choose to add your exams and practicals to your enrolment, you will need to sit your exams at our GCSE exam centre in Birmingham.
A more detailed breakdown of the assessment details is provided below.
This course will be studied entirely via distance learning, meaning you will complete your learning either from home or a place that suits you. Full tutor support will be available via email, so if you have any questions or need some guidance, your tutor will be here to help. Your course materials will include a series of self-assessment exercises and tutor-marked questions to allow both yourself and your tutor to monitor your progress.
The study method you choose depends on your personal learning style. Your options are:
Once you have studied the course and successfully passed the examinations, you will be awarded your AQA GCSE biology.
You will achieve a grade between 4 and 9 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 1-5, please choose our GCSE Biology Foundation Tier course.
Included in the cost of your GCSE Biology is the following:
* Not included with the online study option
You will need to take the official GCSE examinations in order to fully complete this course. It is your responsibility to book and pay for any exams and practicals included in this course yourself unless you enrol onto a package, in which case we will pay for an organise your exams for you.
Please note, students choosing Higher Tier Biology will achieve a grade between 4 to 9. Students who just fail to achieve grade 4 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.
If you choose to add your exams and practicals to your enrolment, you will need to sit your exams at our GCSE exam centre in Birmingham.
For students wishing to study towards grades 1-5, please choose our GCSE Biology – Foundation Tier including exams and practicals course.
That’s not a problem. We want to make sure you’re 100% confident about enrolling on the course and starting your study. So, just give our team of education specialists a call on +44 (0)1223637029 and they’ll do their best to help.
