Class details
Biology
Pre-IG Year 1 (Grade 8)
Who?
Students aged about 13/14 years and who are starting high school. There is no requisite regarding work previously covered, but some basic concepts of biology will be valuable.
What?
This is the first year of a two year introductory course into the various topics in biology. It is an excellent foundation for students who want to study IG biology as it provides the necessary prior knowledge required for IG biology. But it is also suitable for students who may not want to go on to IG biology but would like some background knowledge of living things.
In pre-IG year 1 biology we will explore the characteristics of living organisms and then survey the five kingdoms of living organisms, namely bacteria, protists, fungi, plants and animals.
Different themes will be explored in the pre-IG year 2.
Classes are presented in Rietfontein, Pretoria, but may also be taken online.
Tutor
The tutor for these classes is Vehlia Button
Pre-IG 1 Biology 2027
Venue: 692 24th Avenue, Rietfontein and online
Course duration: January 2027 to December 2027
Lesson time: Thursday 10h45-11h45
Fees: R769 per month x 12 months (January to December)
The books for this course are:
Life science: student edition (5th edition), published by Bob Jones University Press (ISBN 9781628564013).
Life Science Assessments (5th edition), published by Bob Jones University Press (ISBN 9781628564051).
Note: these books need only be purchased once for Pre-IG Year 1 and Pre-IG Year 2.
The book can be purchased through Imago Education, but we do also offer the option to rent the book. (Order link here.)
All students are required to have the following stationery:
- A4 File
- Lined paper (exam pad)
- Index book for terms and definitions
- Pens
- HB pencil for drawings
- A good quality eraser
- A good quality pencil sharpener
- A clear plastic ruler measured in millimetres
- Calculator for calculations
Pre-IG Year 2 (Grade 9)
Who?
Students aged about 14/15 years. Ideally students should have completed the pre-IG Year 1 (Grade 8) course or an equivalent course.
What?
This is the second year of the two year introductory course to biology. We will be using the same text book as in Pre-IG Year 1.
In this course we will begin with a study of the organ systems of humans before studying the cell in more detail. We will also study the structure of DNA and how genes function and principles of heredity. We will end the course by considering how living organisms interact will one another and their environment.
Students who complete the pre-IG biology course will have a definite advantage when studying the IG biology course.
Classes are presented in Rietfontein, Pretoria, but may also be taken online.
Tutor
The tutor for these classes is Vehlia Button
Pre-IG 2 Biology 2027
Venue: 692 24th Avenue, Rietfontein and online
Course duration: January 2027 to December 2027
Lesson time: Wednesday 09h30-10h30
Fees: R769 per month x 12 months (January - December)
The books for this course are:
Life science: student edition (5th edition), published by Bob Jones University Press (ISBN 9781628564013).
Life Science Assessments (5th edition), published by Bob Jones University Press (ISBN 9781628564051).
Note: these books need only be purchased once for Pre-IG Year 1 and Pre-IG Year 2.
The book can be purchased through Imago Education, but we do also offer the option to rent the book. (Order link here.)
All students are required to have the following stationery:
- A4 File
- Lined paper (exam pad)
- Index book for terms and definitions
- Pens
- HB pencil for drawings
- A good quality eraser
- A good quality pencil sharpener
- A clear plastic ruler measured in millimetres
- Calculator for calculations
IG 18-Months
Who?
Students aged about 16 years, and who want to learn more about living organisms. Prior knowledge such as that gained from our pre-IG biology course or equivalent courses will be advantage but not a formal prerequisite.
What?
The IG biology course is an excellent foundational course for further studies in biology at AS/A Level. Students wishing to study in any of the health sciences, agricultural science or in the field of biology itself would do well to lay the foundation with the IG biology course.
The course covers the IG biology syllabus content over eighteen months including revision and exam preparation.
The course begins with an exploration of the characteristics of living things and how living things are classified. Since cells are the basic units of living organisms, the basic structure of the cell in the five kingdoms are explored. We then look at transport into and out of the cell, and how enzymes catalyses the very many metabolic reactions that take place inside the cell. We will also look at the major organic chemicals that make up cells and living organisms. This provides a “tool kit” whereby we can further explore seven characteristics of living organisms in plants and animals, namely: nutrition, excretion, transport, sensitivity, respiration, reproduction, and growth. We will then look at genetics and the immune system before moving onto ecology, conservation and biotechnology.
By the end of the course students should have mastered the concepts stipulated in the syllabus, have grown in the ability to communicate and apply scientific knowledge and come to a greater appreciation of God’s amazing creation.
At the end of each chapter there are exam style questions which help the students assess their progress. In addition, there will be tests based on past exam questions.
At the end of the course, students will be guided through revision and preparation for the exams.
Classes are presented in Rietfontein, Pretoria, but may also be taken online.
Exam preparation
Most of the last semester of the course (until exams are written) will be spent on focused exam preparation. During this period we make extensive use of past exam papers so that students can develop their skills to the required level of mastery. Time is also spent summarising and revising important topics where necessary.
New students who have completed the curriculum may also join this class for exam preparation during the last semester. (See under "Class details" for Exam prep class.
Tutor
The tutor for these classes is Vehlia Button
We are offering the following classes for IG biology.
Students may attend classes either in-person or online. Online details will be sent to students upon registration.
IG Biology 27a Exam prep (R +O)
Venue: 692 24th Avenue, Rietfontein
Course duration: January 2027 - June 2027
Lesson time: Thursday 09h30-10h30
Fees: R830 per month x 6 months (January 2027- June 2027)
IG Biology 27a - 28a (R+O)
Venue: 692 24th Avenue, Rietfontein
Course duration: January 2027 to June 2028
Lesson time: Tuesday 09h30-10h30
Fees: R830 per month x 18 months (January 2027- July 2028)
The following books are required:
1. Biology for Cambridge IGTM Coursebook with digital access [2 years] Fourth edition)
Authors: Mary Jones & Geoff Jones
Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-108-93676-7
2. Biology for Cambridge IGTM Workbook with digital access (2 years)
Authors: Mary Jones & Geoff Jones
Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-108-94738-0
Please note it will not be necessary to purchase the practical book, but be careful as it looks quite similar to the workbook and is called “Practical Workbook”. The required book is simply called “Workbook”.
All students are required to have the following stationery:
- A4 File with twenty file dividers, one for each chapter
- Lined paper (exam pad)
- Index book for terms and definitions
- Pens
- HB pencil for drawings
- A good quality eraser
- A good quality pencil sharpener
- A clear plastic ruler measured in millimetres
- Calculator for calculations
AS 18-Months
Who?
Students who have successfully completed IG biology obtaining at least a C grade.
A background of chemistry although not required is an advantage.
What?
The AS Biology is not as broad as the IG course (i.e. there are fewer topics covered in the AS biology course as compared to the IG Biology course) but there is a lot more depth in the AS Biology course. Students are expected to understand in more detail how the life processes studied work. Students tend to enjoy the AS biology course more than the IG course because of this depth of knowledge that is required.
The first part of the AS Biology course concentrates on the study of the cell and the various functions that take place in the cell. This means students will explore the cell as seen under the light microscope and electron microscope, consider the different organic chemicals that make up the cell and their function within the cell especially as regards enzymes and the structure and function of the cell membrane. Students will then explore how cells divide to make sure that all new cells have the identical genetic material as the original cell. Students will explore how the DNA gene codes for particular proteins. The next section explores transport systems in plants and the cardiovascular system and gas exchange system in humans, while the last section looks at some important infectious diseases and how the immune system works.
By the end of the course students should have mastered the concepts stipulated in the syllabus, have grown in the ability to communicate and apply scientific knowledge and come to a greater appreciation of God’s amazing creation.
At the end of each chapter there are exam style questions which help the students assess their progress. In addition, there will be tests based on past exam questions. At the end of the course, students will be guided through revision and preparation for the exams.
Classes are presented in Rietfontein, Pretoria, but may also be taken online.
There are three AS classes offered:
The Exam sprint class is for students who have completed the syllabus and preparing to write the exams in May/June 2027. New students can register for this class as long as they have completed the syllabus.
The 26b-27b class started in July 2026 and have completed the first five chapters. This class will complete the syllabus during the first semester of 2027 and then spend the third term of 2027 in exam preparation for the exam session in October/November 2027. New students can join this class as long as they have completed at least the first five chapters of the coursebook.
The 27a-28a is a new class starting in January 27. Students taking this class will write AS biology in the May/June 2028 exam session. Students should have passed the IG Biology exam with at least a C grade to join this class.
Practical
Practical work is examined at AS Level and therefore practical work is included throughout the course for those able to attend class in person. Online students are welcome to attend the practical weeks that will be held in April and July. Students unable to attend these practicals are encouraged to find practical opportunities closer to where they live.
Exam preparation
The last semester of the course (until exams are written) will be spent on focuses exam preparation. During this period we make extensive use of past papers so that students can develop their skills to the required level of mastery. Time is also spent summarising and revising important topics where necessary.
Tutor
The tutor for these classes is Vehlia Button.
AS Biology 27a Exam prep (R+O)
Venue: 692 24th Avenue, Rietfontein
Course duration: January 2027 -June 2027
Exam date: May-June 2027
Lesson time: Friday 11h30-13h00
Fees: R1,250 per month x 6 months (January 2027 - June 2027)
AS Biology 26b-27b (R+O)
Venue: 692 24th Avenue, Rietfontein
Course duration: July 2026- November 2027
Exam date: October - November 2027
Lesson time: Tuesday 14h00-15h30
Fees: R1,250 per month x 18 months (July 2026 - December 2027)
AS Biology 27a- 28a [R]
Venue: 692 24th Avenue, Rietfontein
Course duration: January 2027 to July 2028
Exam date: May-June 2028
Lesson time: Thursday 14h00-15h30
Fees: R1,250 per month x 18 months
The following books are required:
1. Biology for Cambridge International AS & A level Coursebook with digital access [2 years] Fifth edition)
Authors: Mary Jones, Richard Fosbery, Dennis Taylor, & Jennifer Gregory
Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-108-85902-8
2. Biology for Cambridge International AS &A Level Workbook with digital access (2 years)
Authors: Mary Jones & Matthew Parkin
Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-108-85942-4
Please note it will not be necessary to purchase the “Practical” book.
All students are required to have the following stationery:
- A4 File with twenty file dividers, one for each chapter
- Lined paper (exam pad)
- Index book for terms and definitions
- Pens
- HB pencil for drawings
- A good quality eraser
- A good quality pencil sharpener
- A clear plastic ruler measured in millimetres
- Calculator for calculations
A Level 1-Year Course
Who?
Students who wish to write A2 Level biology in October/November 2027. Please note that students must have completed AS biology no earlier than October/November 2026.
What?
The A2 course is the second half of the AS/A level coursebook. Students will explore the following topics: Energy and respiration, photosynthesis, homeostasis, control and co-ordination, inheritance, selection and evolution, classification, biodiversity and conservation and genetic technology. These topics will be examined in a structured question paper.
Students will also answer a paper on the practical skills of planning, analysis and evaluation.
Classes are presented in Rietfontein, Pretoria, but may also be taken online
Tutor
The tutor for this course is Vehlia Button.
There is one class for this course; students may attend this class either in-person or online. Online details will be sent to students upon registration.
A2 Biology 2027
Venue: 692 24th Avenue, Rietfontein
Course duration: January 2027 - December 2027
Lesson time: Wednesday 14h00-15h30
Fees: R1,000 per month x 12 months (January - December)
The following books are required:
1. Biology for Cambridge International AS & A level Coursebook with digital access [2 years] Fifth edition)
Authors: Mary Jones, Richard Fosbery, Dennis Taylor, & Jennifer Gregory
Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-108-85902-8
2. Biology for Cambridge International AS &A Level Workbook with digital access (2 years)
Authors: Mary Jones & Matthew Parkin
Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-108-85942-4
Please note it will not be necessary to purchase the “Practical” book.
All students are required to have the following stationery:
- A4 File with twenty file dividers, one for each chapter
- Lined paper (exam pad)
- Index book for terms and definitions
- Pens
- HB pencil for drawings
- A good quality eraser
- A good quality pencil sharpener
- A clear plastic ruler measured in millimetres
- Calculator for calculations