The course covers a range of topics from cell structure and transport in plants and animals to broader concepts of keeping healthy and evolution. Examples of specific areas include: homeostasis; energy and biomass in food chains; nerves and hormones; photosynthesis; tissues, organs and organ systems and humans and their environment.
Practical and Investigative skills are also an essential part of the course, and learners will develop skills such as designing an investigation and evaluating data. The controlled assessment component involves planning and carrying out investigations, including consideration of safety and data processing.
There will be three examinations at the end of the course, each lasting 1 hour and contributing 25% of the marks. There will also be a controlled assessment component (Investigative Skills Assignment - two written assessments plus one or two lessons for practical work and data processing ) contributing the remaining 25%.
Successful completion of this course may support progression to A level, BTEC or equivalent courses when achieved along with other GSCEs (or equivalent). A GCSE in a science subject is also an essential requirement for progression to some University courses such as Nursing or Science-related degree programmes (in addition to appropriate level 3 qualifications).
There are no specific entry requirements for this course and should discuss this with the course tutor. You should be able to demonstrate literacy and numeracy at level 2 but this could be done by a task set for you.
All students interested in this course should contact the course tutor, Therasa Paul, prior to enrolment:
Please note: If you are an adult student you may be entitled to financial support to cover the cost of your course, dependent on your circumstances. Please contact Student Services on enquiries@kendal.ac.uk for details. More about Student Finance.