Discover the mysteries of our solar system and beyond on this Astronomy GCSE
The perfect introduction to astronomy for stargazers and those fascinated with the beauties of space. Explore the mysteries of the universe, from the daring rings of Saturn to the 88 constellations covering the entire sky. Just beyond Earth’s atmosphere, there’s billions of things to learn and see, such as comets, asteroids, planets and galaxies. Why not take your curiosity for the unknown one step further with an Astronomy GCSE? More importantly, with new advances made every day, what will you discover? Enrol today and find out!
What to expect on this Astronomy GCSE?
When you enrol onto our Astronomy GCSE, you’ll explore the universe and our position in it. Starting with our own planet Earth, you’ll learn about our solar system and beyond. Moving forward, you’ll investigate the movements of planets and stars, how stars and planetary systems are formed and how we observe and interact with space. Finally, with your own practical observations, you’ll develop valuable scientific and mathematical skills. As a result, you’ll have key knowledge that is valuable for anyone looking to move into higher education.
Key topics include the Earth’s atmosphere, the orbit of the moon, the size of the solar system and optical telescopes. If you need a GCSE to start your journey into Astronomy, you can get everything you need on this course!
On our GCSE in Astronomy, you will benefit from:
- Brand new course, written to the latest specification with dynamic and engaging content
- Fast Track is available on this course (work as quickly as you like)
- Administration and 3-day assignment marking is included
- Access to our network of partnership exam centres (guaranteed exam venue)
- Pro-active tutors – we contact you, help you write a study plan and support you throughout.
- Exam pass guarantee (if you don’t pass the first time, we’ll support you to the next exam)
The perfect introduction to astronomy for stargazers and those fascinated with the beauties of space.
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Unlimited Tutor Support ™Get as much help and support as you want from your personal course tutor via email and phone.
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A formal qualification
This course is a formally recognised RQF qualification and is recognised throughout the UK, Europe and beyond.
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Guaranteed exam centre
Access to our Country-wide network of exam centres (guaranteed exam venue)
- Awarding body: Edexcel
- Our course code: G015
- Qualification code: 1AS0
- Official Qualification Title: Astronomy GCSE
Edexcel is the UK’s largest awarding organisation offering academic and vocational qualifications in schools, colleges and work places in the UK and abroad. They have been helping people succeed in life through learning for nearly 2 decades. Edexcel is a multinational education and examination body.
Study Hours
You should allow for between 120 and 150 hours’ study time, plus additional time for completing assignments, exams and practical assessments.
Study Method
Our course is delivered via our online learning platform as this provides learners with a dynamic and engaging experience. Don’t worry, if you prefer, you can print the learning materials yourself. The learning resources are in a range of different media including videos, e-books, and online quizzes.
Course Duration
You will benefit from our personal tutor support for a period of up to 18 months from the date of enrolment.
Assessment
You will be required to complete the two standard GCSE standard written exams.
Official exams
- 1 hour 45 minutes, 50% of marks
- 1 hour 45 minutes, 50% of marks
- In addition students must complete at least one unaided and one aided observation.
We provide a guaranteed exam space in one of our exam centres around the Country, to take away the hassle of needing to find your own. Check where your closest exam centre is.
Assignments
During your course, you will also be required complete one introductory assignment and 10 assignments. These do not contribute towards your final grade but provide you with an opportunity to submit work to your tutor for marking and feedback. This will help you to gauge your progress as you work through the course. There is no coursework to complete. All exams must be taken in the same session.
Course Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this home learning course, you will receive a GCSE in Astronomy, issued by Edexcel. This syllabus has been chosen specifically because it is the best suited to distance learning.
Additional Information
Official Qualification Title - Astronomy GCSE
Difficulty - Level 2
Entry requirements - There are no formal entry requirements for this course, however, it is recommended that you have an intermediate ability to read and write English.
Course Content
- Constellations and asterisms
- The celestial sphere
- Diurnal motion
- Circumpolar stars
- Practical observing
- The surface features of the Moon
- The Moon’s orbit
- Exploration of the Moon
- The origin of the Moon
- Observing the planets
- The apparent motion of the Sun
- Planets, dwarf planets and other solar system objects
- Comets
- Meteoroids and meteorites
- The size of the solar system
- Optical telescopes, Part 1
- Optical telescopes, Part 2
- Space probes
Frequently Asked Questions
We have some answers to common student questions, but if you can't find the answer you're looking for then please contact us and we will do everything we can to answer your questions.
You will need to pay separately for your final examinations. Additional texts may also need to be purchased to supplement your learning on the course.
We are able to offer places at partnership exam centres across the UK for our students, therefore, guaranteeing an exam venue. If you choose to find your own exam centre, you can, you will need to register with them as an external or private candidate. Fees vary across the country so we recommend enquiring prior to enrolment.
This course is self-contained so no additional textbooks are required. Where there are required additional text books, we include this as free eBooks.
Yes! You study the same curriculum, take the same examinations and get the same qualification. The only difference is that the course is specially designed to be studied from home in your own time.
You will have access to your personal tutor, via email, who will mark your assignments and guide you through the course to help you get ready for your examinations. In addition, you will be supplied with a comprehensive Study Guide which will help you through the study and assessment process. Assignments are marked by your personal tutor within 5 days. Your personal tutor will be highly experienced in their subject area and qualified to teach.
That’s fine, this course can be studied anywhere and is completed by submitting Tutor marked assignments (TMAs).
Please check our FAQs section or Contact Us, we are happy to answer any questions you have.