GCSE Biology Revision Courses
The main emphasis in terms of GCSE Biology is using basic skills such as data analysis and comprehension. Subject knowledge is required to explain questions which ask students to analyse diagrams, graphs and pieces of text.
Revise GCSE Biology
Mostly, students attending Justin Craig courses are seeking assistance for topics covered in year 11. The key topic areas can be grouped into basic headings - please note that some exam boards do not cover some of the topics, so effective communication between tutor and student is necessary to select topics appropriately:
- Cells - animal and plant cell structure, functions of basic cell organelles (mitochondria, chloroplast, nucleus, cell membrane, cell wall, vacuole) examples of different specialised cells, transport into and out of cells (diffusion, osmosis, active transport), structure of molecules within cells (simplified DNA and basic protein structure), enzymes, cell division (overview of mitosis and meiosis), bacteria structure.
- Processes - factors affecting the rate of photosynthesis and rate of respiration. Effect of exercise on body systems. Body water and salt balance in relation to exercise. The immune response in health and disease
- Tissues - digestive system structure of villus, alveoli and gas exchange in the lungs, blood tissue structure and function, leaf structure in plants, structure of a typical synovial joint, bones and cartilage
- Organs - basic heart structure and function, kidney basic structure (including structure and function of the nephron)
- Organ systems - Circulatory system structure, Lung structure, Digestive system structure
- Ecosystems - Pyramids of number and biomass, energy flow through ecosystems, carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, comparison of organic and intensive farming methods, population growth
- Biotechnology - Yeast and bacterial cell growth, immobilised enzymes in industrial processes, genetic engineering and genetic modification of plants
- Social issues - Stem cells, cloning, selective breeding of pets and farm animals, behaviour and learning in humans and animals
Revision techniques in GCSE Biology
The spectrum should shift towards the student over two/three days.
Fully student - students are provided with series of relevant past papers and these are marked at the end of the session and feedback is provided at the beginning of the next session.
Mostly student - students are provided with a series of relevant past papers and the teacher prompts and assists individuals or small groups through the paper.
Intermediate - a series of animations, diagrams, graphs, data sheets or other resources is presented to small groups - these then describe the process or topic fully using the correct biological terms.
Mostly teacher - the teacher presents notes to a topic in full if student feedback indicates that basic knowledge has not been covered in class. Students read the notes, discuss with teacher and attempt past paper questions.
Fully teacher - the teacher re/teaches a topic to the students, then through discussion and exposure to questions gauges extent of knowledge. It is best to move through each process stepwise, checking continuously through feedback that students are concentrating, have understood and are ready to progress. Travelling at the pace of the slowest learner may frustrate some students, but in general most are happy to revisit each topic and apply a fresh coat of detail or understanding. Alternative options for those who do not wish to be re-taught can be negotiated. Many students like this last option, particularly if they have had an issue where a teacher has been away at the school and a topic has not been covered.
Biology Specific Revision Techniques
Each process/ topic is fundamental to biology and there are a wide range of diagrams and animations available on the internet. Specific techniques involve students plotting and analysing graphs, labelling diagrams correctly, tracking changes in data, making valid comparisons between biological structures in different parts of the world or in different parts of the body.
A Typical GCSE Biology Tuition Lesson
2 hour slot
- Menu of topics/activities on the board
- Discussion as to preferred teaching/learning style from the spectrum - in groups/pairs/individuals
- Topics divided as to the time available by teacher
- If all in group doing the same exam board then single past paper practice - teacher talks from whiteboard or to individuals
- Topics covered using a mixture of techniques from the spectrum, dividing up the time approximately equally between topics, in groups or individually. Each student may join a small group teaching task or work individually if the taught topic is not relevant to them at that particular moment
To book onto a GCSE Biology Revision Course, please complete our online booking form by clicking on the 'Book Online Now' button.
