Edexcel IGCSE Biology (4BI1) (Individual Science) online homeschool course
HomeMadeEducation offers a fully online, tutor-led homeschool course for IGCSE Biology, suitable for students aged 12-17
Course Type: Online homeschool course
Level: GCSE / IGCSE
Subject: Biology
Ages: 12–17
Format: “Live” (weekly scheduled real-time lessons) or “Flexible / Recorded” (work at your own pace)
Exam Board: (Pearson) Edexcel
Duration: 1 year (designed to be completed within 1 academic year but can be extended to 2 years, or shortened to less than a year, as needed )
Course Overview: This is an engaging course exploring the science behind the world around us, it is easy to see the relevance of what you are learning as you spend time in nature which can be very rewarding. We start with some key Biological concepts in the first unit as we cover ‘Organisms and Life Processes’ answering questions like; what makes something alive? How do we classify living things? What makes up a living organism? Once we understand the basics we are then able to delve into a deeper understanding of ‘Animal Physiology’ in our next unit as we look at the various organ systems present in animals and how they all work together, it is a fascinating look at the gas exchange system, digestive system, circulatory system and many others which gives students a far better understanding of their own bodies and actually generally has a positive impact on their physical and mental health as they see clear evidence about why it’s important to have a healthy lifestyle. We then look at similar concepts around plants – studying how they get their energy, how they transport molecules and coordinate responses to the changing environment as well as their reproductive cycle. Students have opportunities to dissect a flower and grow seeds themselves to see what they are learning in practice. The next unit looks at ‘Ecology and the Environment’ as we consider ecosystems and natural cycles on the Earth and how humans impact the habitats on our planet and disrupt the nitrogen and carbon cycles, we also consider how we can have a positive impact by doing things differently. My favourite unit is the ‘Variation and Selection’ unit where we dive into genetics – discovering what DNA is, how it is passed from one cell to another and from one organism to another as well as how mutations lead to adaptations and how as humans we have selectively bred organisms to have the characteristics we have deemed desirable. Finally we look at microorganisms and how we can use them to our advantage in processes such as making bread and yoghurt as well as to produce proteins such as insulin to enable people with otherwise life limiting medical conditions to thrive. This course does use a required textbook: Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9-1) Biology Student Book: (Edexcel International GCSE) By Philip Bradfield (Author) Steve Potter (Author)
Learning Objectives:
Throughout the entire course we are developing many essential skills including:
• learn about unifying patterns and themes in biology and use them in new and changing situations
• acquire knowledge and understanding of biological facts, terminology, concepts, principles and practical techniques
• apply the principles and concepts of biology, including those related to the applications of biology, to different contexts
• evaluate biological information, making judgements on the basis of this information
• recognise the importance of accurate experimental work and reporting scientific methods in biology
• select, organise and present relevant information clearly and logically using appropriate vocabulary, definitions and conventions
• prepare for more advanced courses in biology and for other courses that require knowledge of biology.
Who This Course Is For
Students aged 12-17
What This Course Includes
All tutor-led courses always: cover the required exam board syllabus; include weekly online tutorials, detailed support materials, tutorials that are recorded and available 24/7 for the duration of the course; weekly assignments (including a wide range of exam questions); personal and detailed homework feedback (including specific advice on improvements/exam skills); weekly online ‘live’ drop-in sessions for learners (just turn up to as many as you need) to discuss any topics/questions/issues; full tutor support. Materials are proprietary and specifically developed solely for our own learners. All courses are taught by subject experts who are current/former home educators, and all courses are designed and created by the person teaching the course.
How the course works
How Online GCSE/IGCSE Courses Work is a document that can be viewed and downloaded at the top of this main FAQ page. And for more details about how exactly the “Live” format and “FlexibleTiming/Recorded” format work … see this Formats page. (It may be possible to start with the ‘flexible’ format and then switch to the ‘live’ format if a learner would like to begin before a ‘live’ start date but ‘live’ is their preferred format; do ask for more details).
Course Tutor
This online Edexcel IGCSE Biology homeschool course is taught by our highly qualified and experienced Science teacher, Lucy
Availability/Schedule
“Live” … please see the schedule of ‘live’ course days/times within the HomeMadeEducation Guidebook, that can be viewed and downloaded at the top of this main FAQ page.
“Flexible / Recorded” … work at your own pace
Course Format Options
√ “Live” (weekly scheduled real-time lessons)
√ “Flexible / Recorded” (work at your own pace)
Exam Board & Syllabus
Edexcel IGCSE Biology
Course Fees / Discounts / Payment Plans
This information can all be found within the HomeMadeEducation Guidebook, that can be viewed and downloaded at the top of this main FAQ page
How to Enrol
Please complete the little enrolment form below, or send Kate an email using the details below (in the event that your email gets lost in the ether, please do follow up with Kate if you haven’t heard back within 48 hours!)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can my child take the IGCSE exam after completing this course?
A: Yes. This course prepares students for writing the IGCSE Biology exam, at an exam centre local to you (please note that courses do not include exams/exam fees)
Q: What are the course fees?
A: Fees, discounts and payment plans are specified within the HomeMadeEducation Guidebook, that can be viewed and downloaded at the top of this main FAQ page.
Q: What are the ‘live’ courses days and times?
A: The ‘live’ course schedule is within the HomeMadeEducation Guidebook, that can be viewed and downloaded at the top of this main FAQ page.
Q: How do I find/book an exam centre?
A: You can view & download the HomeMadeEducation guide to booking exams here (main FAQ page)
Q: Does the course include exam skills / exam practice?
A: Yes, all tutor-led GCSE/IGCSE courses include weekly assignments that include a wide range of exam questions, which means that students get to practice and develop their exam skills over the full duration of the course
Q: Does the course include tutor support?
A: Yes, the course includes full tutor support which means: regular, detailed, personal feedback on assignments; tutor availability via email for the duration of the course; weekly live drop in “office hours” on zoom
Q: Does the “live” format have opportunities to participate and ask questions?
A: Yes, there are ample opportunities throughout the live tutorials for students to participate and ask questions
Q: Are your class sizes limited?
A: Yes, all class sizes are small and limited in number, to ensure an optimal level of support, personalisation, flexibility and engagement
Q: Does my child have to have their camera and microphone on, to join and participate?
A: No, neither are required for learners; webcams tend to give young people the heebeejeebies and so are not required and participation/questions/quizzes/etc. all use text (not voice) participation by young people
Q: Do you offer 1 to 1 tutoring for this subject?
A: Yes, subject to tutor availability
You can also find answers to other frequently answered questions here, on this main FAQ page
HomeMade Education provides flexible, tutor-led online homeschooling courses for students in the UK and internationally.
HomeMadeEducation is one of the UKs leading online schools, trusted and highly recommended with unsurpassed reviews, ratings and recommendations. Enabling students to achieve success through personalised, supportive, world-class learning — fully online.
Live lessons and recorded tutorials: Join live, timetabled classes, with lesson recordings (avail. 24/7) so that catching up on / reviewing previous lessons is easy, simply, and pressure-free.
Expert-led education: Learn with expert, subject-specialists that are all current or previous home educators, passionate about ensuring your child has the best chances of success
A flexible online option – an online educational program that recognises and nurtures your child’s individual needs with a personalised education.
HomeMadeEducation tutors have a wide range of degrees, including P.H.D. degrees, Masters Degrees, PGCE and teaching degrees. You’ll also find tutors with qualifications in SEND teaching, tutors that are published authors, tutors that are award winning designers, and tutors that are experienced exam board examiners. HomeMadeEducation tutors are all current or former home educators.
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