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On this course you prepare for your exams by learning about scientific knowledge and facts, concepts, principles, themes and patterns in Biology. You will learn how to use this knowledge in new and challenging situations and contexts and will appreciate the practical nature of Biology, developing experimental and investigative skills based on correct and safe laboratory techniques.
It is graded 9-1 (where 9 is the highest grade).
£363.00 (from £39.22 a month) discounts for more than one subjectWhat are they?
or AQA.How do I study?
Sitting the exams
More info
When can I start?
You can start when it suits you: just like studying with us, our enrolments are flexible too.
What are the entry requirements?
There are no set entry requirements for this IGCSE, but a good standard of written English is necessary to pass an IGCSE.
When are the exams?
There are two sittings for GCSEs/IGCSEs: May/June and November. You will need to arrange sitting the exams in good time - we recommend that you should do this by February for the May/June exams, and by September for the November exams.
How do I study?
Our IGCSEs are delivered completely online. This means that you can study when it suits you, your family, and your job. With our learning materials and your own personal tutor, you will have the one-to-one support and guidance that you need to succeed when studying an IGCSE online.
How do I learn?
Throughout your course you will be given access to the tailored learning materials and tutor-marked assessments. Your tutor will be on hand either over the phone, on the GCSE forum, or over email to support and guide you. All feedback that you receive will be there to help you to continuously improve and develop your skills. The goal of you passing your IGCSE with the highest grade possible is central to our learning materials, teaching, and feedback.
How am I assessed?
You will complete self-assessment questions during each unit, and you can check your responses using the example answers given to develop and deepen your understanding. Tutor assessed questions are completed after each study section - these exam-style questions are numerically marked by your tutor, who will give you feedback on how to improve, develop and progress. At the end of the course you have the opportunity to sit mock exam papers during your revision. Your qualification however will be sat externally. This means that you will need to find and pay a centre to sit your exams.
How long will it take?
Because our courses fit into your life rather than the other way around, you can decide how long you'd like to study your IGCSE for. On average students prepare for an IGCSE in 9 months.
When can I complete?
Just like starting, when you complete is up to you. The only deadlines that are in place are those set by yourself, and are usually based on when you want to sit your exams.
What are my future prospects?
IGCSEs open doors for every student. Whether you decide to use it to gain entry to university or not, it will improve your career prospects. You will deepen your knowledge, your skills, and your understanding of the subject and studying online teaches you skills that will make you standout. From organisational skills and time management, to increased confidence in your abilities - you will be capable of things you hadn't previously thought possible.
Course content
Edexcel International GCSE Science (Double Award), 4SD0.
You will sit three exam papers: one Biology, one Chemistry and one Physics. The marks from each paper are added together, and this gives you a double grade equal to two full IGCSEs.
On this course you will be prepared for these exams by learning about scientific knowledge and facts, concepts, principles, themes and patterns across the three sciences. You will learn how to use this knowledge in new and challenging situations and contexts and will appreciate the practical nature of science, developing experimental and investigative skills based on correct and safe laboratory techniques.
In Biology you will study:
- The nature and variety of living organisms
- Structures and functions in living organisms
- Reproduction and inheritance
- Ecology and the environment / Use of biological resources
In Chemistry you will study:
- Principles of chemistry
- Inorganic chemistry
- Physical chemistry
- Organic chemistry
In Physics you will study:
- Forces and motion
- Electricity
- Waves
- Energy resources and energy transfers
- Solids, liquids and gases
- Magnetism and electromagnetism
- Radioactivity and particles
- Astrophysics
Full details of everything that the course contains can be found at "Edexcel International GCSE Science Double Award (4SD0)".
Here are some Sample Materials for this qualification.
How do I take the exams?
We do not arrange your exam for you. You will need to arrange and pay for this yourself as a private candidate. We recommend that you find out how much this will cost before you start the course. You must use the correct qualification title and code when arranging your exam: Pearson/Edexcel IGCSE Science (Double Award) (4SD0).
Information for private candidates, including help finding a centre and what information they will need from you, can be found at Pearson/Edexcel private candidates and Pearson/Edexcel finding a school or college. For the 2022 series please also see the JCQ. Make sure that you select IGCSE from the qualification section to find suitable centres.
There are exam centres around the country that work exclusively with private candidates. We are a learning partner with Tutors & Exams (UK wide) and have also worked with Intuition (North-West England). We are happy to pass on the contact details for other centres that have taken our students as private candidates in the past.
You can sit your exam in either the Summer (May/June) or in November. You will need to make sure that you allow plenty of time to arrange your exams as there are entry deadlines: February for Summer exams and September for the November exams.
The most flexible fees
Easy to manage flexible instalments. Payment holidays. No tie-ins or credit agreements. Great value. If the course is not for you, pay no more. If you leave & return, fees paid previously are still covered. More details on our Fees Page.
£363.00 (from £39.22 a month) discounts for more than one subject
- £20.00 off the 2nd subject,
- £30.00 off each of any further subjects
- You only pay the Enrolment Fee once, saving a further £30.00 on each GCSE!
Funding your course
- This course is not eligible for Advanced Learner Loans.
- This course is not eligible for Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) funding.
The majority of our students fund themselves using our easy payment options. Some secure funding through their employers and a few manage to get some help from local charities. We cannot provide advice on funding but we do have a Grants & Funding page which you may find useful.
If you are not funding your course yourself
Please ensure that you make us aware of this when you apply so that we can advise you & make any necessary arrangements with the funder to cover your course costs.
Payment methods
The normal method of payment is online with a Credit or Debit Card. We accept all major cards.
If there are genuine reasons why you cannot pay online, you will need to contact us to discuss whether there are other feasible options available such as bank transfer or Standing Order.
The support that our students receive is central to who we are and the service that we deliver.
Your tutor
Your tutor is both your personal and your subject specialist teacher. They were chosen for their expert subject knowledge and qualifications, and for their skills in supporting and motivating adults who may have been out of education for some time. They are there to guide your studies, and you will be in regular contact with them. Because they mark your assessments, they know how to help you to improve, develop and advance as you progress through the course.
GCSE Administrator
Our GCSE Administrator is here for you from your first enquiry and throughout your studies with us. From giving you access to your learning materials, to offering advice about sitting your exams, the GCSE team are here for everybody - past, present and prospective student alike.
If you need extra support with your studies, e.g for dyslexia let us know you can be referred to our Learning Support department.
Additional Support
Learning Support - support if you have declared a disability. They provide advice and guidance and signpost you to help and resources which can help with your studies.
Student Support - supporting you if you are having problems with your studies. This may be due to a wide range of factors, personal, financial, confidence, changed circumstances etc. Generally, tutors will refer you to this section if they feel that you will benefit from some extra help or advice.
Peer Support
We have a dynamic private Facebook community over 2000 students for you to join and if you want to raise points with staff this can be done via the Student Action Group.
Flexibility
We make our courses suit you and your life: if your circumstances or priorities change then your course can too. We are here to help you achieve, and so altering your target completion date, payment date, or extending your study period is always possible.
Technical Department
From accessing learning materials to uploading documents, if you need any technical support during your studies our Technical Department is there for you.
Financial Department
You can contact Finance Should you need any help or advice about fees, payment options, or there are changes to your circumstances.
Essential textbook Double Award Science:
Edexcel International GCSE (9-1) Science Double Award (2017), by Brian Arnold, Phil Bradfield, Jim Clark, Penny Johnson, Steve Owen Steve potter, Steve Woolley and Rachel Yu.
Published by Pearson Education Ltd ISBN: 9780435185282.
Available from Waterstones.
Essential textbooks if you wish to purchase individual books:
Biology:
Edexcel International GCSE (9-1) Biology (Student Book) (2017), by Jackie Clegg, Sue Kearsey, Gareth Price and Mike Smith.
Published by Harper Collins. ISBN-10: 0008236194; ISBN-13: 978-0008236199.
Available at Waterstones.
Chemistry:
Edexcel International GCSE (9-1) Chemistry (Student Book) (2017) by Sam Goodman and Chris Sunley.
Published by Harper Collins. ISBN-13: 978-0-00-823621-2.
Available at Waterstones.
Physics:
Edexcel International GCSE Physics (9-1) (2017) by Steve Bibby, Malcolm Bradley and Susan Gardner.
Published by Harper Collins. ISBN 978-0-00-823620-5.
Available at Waterstones.
Laptop or Computer
Due to the academic nature and depth of this course you will not be able to study it entirely on a Mobile Phone or Tablet.
If you have a disability or special needs
The 2010 Equality Act strives to ensure that all students have equal access to examinations.
If you have a disability (such as a visual impairment) or a special educational need (such as dyslexia, dyspraxia or dyscalculia), the centre where you sit your exams will arrange access arrangements for you. You must have evidence of your disability or special educational need for this. If you do not already have a diagnosis, you should arrange this prior to booking your exams.
