Biology Grinds

5th Year

Weekly Grind

In-Person

Online Live-Stream

Our 5th Year Biology grinds cut through the vast amounts of information on the course, showing you how to manage the content effectively and how to apply it in an exam setting. As a Grinds student, you will also have access to the archive of class recordings, meaning you will never miss a class.

Teacher:

Rachel Allis

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Free Study Guide

Your Investment Includes:

75 min Weekly Grind + 10 min Q&A

Attend In-Person or Online via Live-Stream

Supervised Study Lounge Access

Effective Study Guidance & Support

Access to Recordings of All Grinds

Rachel’s Renowned Exam Notes

Specialised Seminar for Parents

Flexible Payment Options with Instalment Plans

Trial a Biology Class with Rachel Allis

10% off Easter Revision Courses

How the Biology Grinds Work:

✔ 75-Minute Weekly Grinds class: You’ll be taught by some of the very best educators in Ireland. Select your preferred day and time, and choose to attend In-Person or Online.

✔Rachel's Specialised Grinds Notes: Exclusively available to our grinds students, these notes contain Rachel’s unique approach to learning Biology, designed to cut through the jargon and help students easily understand the complex concepts.

✔ Access To Our Supervised Study Lounge: As a grinds student with us, you’ll get Free access to our Supervised Study Lounge, located in Blackrock and open 5 days per week.

✔ Effective Study Guidance & Support: We help students study smarter with expert guidance, H1 notes, and class recordings, providing everything they need to boost their exam performance.

✔ Recordings of Every Grind: Never miss a class again! These recordings are also a great study resource.

✔ Seminars for Parents: We invite parents to attend several talks throughout the year on how to support their child throughout the State Examinations journey.

✔ Exclusive Discounts to Our Revision Courses: As a grinds student with us, you’ll receive discounts on our Christmas and Easter Revision courses.

How the 5th Year Biology Grinds Work

1 X Weekly In-Person Exam-Focused Classes (75 mins + 10 min Q&A)

A weekly exam focused Biology Grind that helps grow students’ confidence and exam performance. After all Biology grinds, there are 10-minute Q&A sessions with our teachers, allowing time to tackle specific student challenges. Students can also choose to attend this grind online. A monthly note to parents will be sent out which will outline what topics are being covered and the schedule for the month ahead.

Supervised Study Lounge Access

Mon-Wed: 5pm-7:45pm | Thur: 4pm-6:45pm | Sat: 10am-1pm
Students attending Weekly Grinds have access to a quiet, structured space for focused study at our new State-of-the-art Campus in Blackrock Co. Dublin.

Effective Study Guidance & Support

We help students study smarter with expert guidance, H1 notes, and class recordings, providing everything they need to boost their exam performance.

All Biology Grinds come with Rachel Allis's renowned Biology Notes

A comprehensive, expertly designed revision tool — ideal for continuous learning.

The Biology Grinds unique teaching Methodology & Interactive style

52 Skills / IMED (Identify, Method, Execute & Marking)

CAO & Guidance Webinar Series for parents

Led by expert career advisor Kay, giving families clarity and direction.

Flexible Payment Options

Spread the price of grinds over easy instalments.

Exclusive Discount on our Christmas & Easter Revision Courses

Perfect for revision, catch-up, and reinforcing key concepts.

Biology Grinds Schedule

Attend one of our 75 min Weekly Grinds + 10 min Q&A In-Person or Online;
Monday	6:45pm - 8:00pm

The Benefits of our Grinds Programme

Expertly Guided Exam Strategy & Skills Development

Master the structure, technique, and mindset required to excel in high-stake examinations, led by motivating experienced teachers.

Time Management Mastery & Proven Study Techniques

Gain access to advanced study frameworks and time management strategies tailored for peak academic performance.

Confidence Through Consistency

Minimise exam-day anxiety with frequent, structured in-class assessments that build familiarity and confidence over time.

The Power of In-Person Learning

Benefit from the richness of face-to-face instruction, immediate feedback, and real-time academic engagement, unmatched by virtual alternatives.

A Culture of Excellence & Belonging

Thrive in a nurturing, inclusive environment where passionate teachers and motivated peers create a dynamic, success-driven community.

Surrounded by Support

Study alongside like-minded students who inspire and challenge you to reach your full potential.

Meet Your Biology Teacher

Andrew Cussen

Andrew is a very experienced teacher, having worked both in Ireland and abroad. He has taught the Leaving Certificate course for many years, and gained invaluable insights into his subjects delivering the Victorian Curriculum in Australia. Andrew graduated with First Class Honours in both a Bachelor of Science (with Education) in Biology and Mathematics, and a Professional Master of Education from Maynooth University. He further completed a Professional Diploma in Educational Studies - Computational Thinking from UCD, a Masters of Education in Leadership and Management from Trinity College, and an Advanced Diploma in Law and Education from the Honourable Society of the King’s Inns.

His teaching style places an emphasis on deepening students’ understanding of concepts by encouraging them to connect theory with practical applications. He focuses on developing students' confidence in his subjects through familiarisation with both exam-styled questions, curriculum expectations and an appreciation for abstract thinking and reasoning. By cultivating a strong rapport with his students, Andrew encourages a positive learning environment whereby his students are motivated to think critically, reflect and self-regulate their learning.

Andrew has held various Assistant Principal roles and has corrected exams for the State Examinations Commission. He has developed student content and teaching resources for Science Solutions (DCG Solutions Ltd.). Additionally, he has worked alongside the Junior Cycle Teachers Association and as a University Placement Tutor with Maynooth University to inform best teaching practices in Biology, Mathematics and Science.

What Our Biology Grinds Cover

You will cover all aspects of the syllabus in great detail. You will receive exam-focused Biology study notes which contain all past exam questions and solutions for each topic. You will gain a clear understanding of the marking scheme and how it can work to your advantage.

The following topics will be covered:

The Cell

Osmosis

Cell Division

Scientific Method

Flowering Plants

Germination

Photosynthesis

Water Transport

Food & Nutrition

Nervous System

Hormones & Reproduction

DNA & RNA

Genetics

Evolution

Ecology

Microbiology

Skeleton

Grinds Fees

Buy One Grind & Unlock 50% Off All Additional Grinds. (This Offer Extends to Siblings too! )

When Paid in Full

1st Subject

€649

Total: €649

2nd Subject

€325

Total: €974

3rd Subject

€325

Total: €1,299

4th Subject

€325

Total: €1,624

5th Subject

€325

Total: €2,274

6th Subject

€325

Total: €2,599

Where can you attend these grinds?

Our live, interactive grinds are available in two formats, both designed to offer you full engagement and access to top-quality instruction

In-Person: Join us in person at our Blackrock location for classroom-based grinds.

Online: Attend our grinds online, from anywhere in Ireland, with fully interactive live-streamed classes.

Whichever option you choose, you’ll be able to ask questions and interact with our teachers throughout each session. All classes come with our renowned Dublin Academy study notes. If you attend via live-stream, we’ll post the notes to your home at no extra charge. As a Grinds student, you will also have access to the archive of class recordings, meaning you will never miss a class.

Our Leaving Cert grinds focus on what's essential for the exams. Our teachers cut through the unnecessary material to concentrate solely on the core content, helping you maximize your exam performance.

What is the schedule for grinds?

Start Date:
Classes commence week beginning Monday 1st September 2025.

Please note, classes will NOT be held on the following dates:

Mid-Term Breaks:
Monday 27th October- classes resume Monday 3rd November 2025
Monday 16th February – classes resume Monday 23rd February 2026

Christmas Holidays:
Monday 8th December 2025 – classes resume on Monday 5th January 2026

Easter Holidays:
Monday 30th March - Sunday 12th April 2026

Final Classes:
Saturday 16th May 2026

Please note that on bank holidays, our classes will not run in person or online live-stream. Instead, we’ll provide a high-quality recorded session that you can watch at your convenience. Thank you for your understanding.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the schedule for grinds?

Start Date:
Classes commence week beginning Monday 1st September 2025.

Please note, classes will NOT be held on the following dates:

Mid-Term Breaks:
Monday 27th October- classes resume Monday 3rd November 2025
Monday 16th February – classes resume Monday 23rd February 2026

Christmas Holidays:
Monday 8th December 2025 – classes resume on Monday 5th January 2026

Easter Holidays:
Monday 30th March - Sunday 12th April 2026

Final Classes:
Saturday 16th May 2026

Can students ask questions in grinds?

Yes. Regardless of whether students are attending grinds in person or online via live-stream they will be free to ask our teachers questions.

How long are the grinds?

Leaving Cert weekly grinds are 75 minutes in duration. Junior Cert grinds are 60 minutes in duration.

Can I get recordings of the grinds?

As a Grinds student, you will have full access to the archive of class recordings, meaning you will never miss a class.

Can I change my choice of subject for my grind during the year?

Yes, however, please note that an administration charge of €25 will apply if a student decides to change their choice of subject during the year.

How do I access my live-streamed grinds and recordings?

You will access your live-streamed grinds and recrodings via our online learning management system, DASH (Dublin Academy School Hub). We will send you login details for this platform in advance of your grind.

If I opt for live-streamed grinds, how do I get my study notes?

Your study notes will be posted to your house free of charge in advance of your live-streamed grinds commencing. Please note, study notes will take up to 3 working days to arrive from the time of booking.

Can I try out the weekly grinds for free before signing up?

Yes, all students can attend a free trial of our weekly grinds to ensure they are happy with the service.

Do Weekly Grinds take place on bank holiday Mondays?

Hear from our Biology Students

“Don really helped me get my head around some of the tougher topics on the exam. I thought he was really relatable and had a great way of teaching the subject.”

Attended Don's Accounting Grinds

“I was getting <40% in Maths class tests in 5th Year & started Maths grinds in 6th Year. I just got my results back and I got a H1, I couldn't be happier and I owe a lot of it to Rob. He's an amazing teacher and I'd recommend him to anyone!”

Attended Robert's Maths Grinds