Biology

Name: The Dublin Academy of Education
Address: Stillorgan Plaza, Lower Kilmacud Rd, Co. Dublin, Blackrock, A94 H0X7, IE
Telephone: +353 1 442 4442

6th Year

Weekly Grind

On-Site

Online Live-Stream

Our 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. Biology is a vast course that students can get lost in. Our teachers are experts in focusing in on what students really need to know to get maximum marks in Leaving Cert Biology. As a Grinds student, you will also have access to the archive of class recordings, meaning you will never miss a class.

Teachers:

Andrew Cussen David Lewis

Let's talk Enrol Now

Maximise your potential with our Weekly Grinds! Proven to help students achieve top marks, our expert-led sessions give students the best chance at state exam success.

Improve Your Grades

Exam Focus

Exam Technique

Access Class Recordings

H1 Study Notes

How These Grinds Will Help You

Improve Your Grades: Our Grinds are specifically designed to improve performance in the State Exams. Students who attend our Grinds see an improvement of 23 CAO points on average.

Exam Focus: We will cover the key points in every topic on the course curriculum with a specific focus on the material most likely to appear on the exam.

Exam Technique: We will show you the standard of question that you will be expected to answer in the exam and how to ensure you get all of the marks on offer.

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

H1 Study Notes: You will work from specially designed, exam–focused notes and sample questions, with fully worked solutions which will be an invaluable study resource.

Meet Your Biology Teachers

David Lewis

David has over 10 years experience teaching Maths and Biology at the highest level and he specialises in giving students a clear, fundamental understanding of the syllabus. He is fascinated by innovative new ways of creating effective, personalised exam strategies which students find hugely beneficial and are proven to achieve results. As an examiner in both Biology and Maths, David is acutely aware of the common errors students make which cost them marks and prevent them from achieving their best result.

David is a member of the Irish Mathematics Teachers’ Association (IMTA) and has authored a Junior Certificate Science textbook "Less Stress, More Success”. His organised approach, energy, and ability to relate to students has resulted in him becoming one of our most popular teachers.

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

Over the coming academic year, we will cover the Leaving Cert Biology course in great depth in the weekly grinds. Many students view the Leaving Cert Biology course as very long and challenging. Our Biology notes help you manage the information much better and make revising and conquering the course more achievable.

We will show you how to achieve a H1 standard through interpreting exam questions correctly and by identifying the keywords. We will demonstrate the importance of understanding how marking schemes can benefit you.

You will receive exam-focused Biology notes, which contain all past exam questions and solutions at the end of each topic. You will also get a booklet containing all experiment notes worth at least 15% and a booklet containing all definitions worth at least 20% of the Biology exam paper. These notes will help you gain confidence as they condense the syllabus by focusing on the essential material to achieve that high grade.

The following topics will be covered:

The Scientific Method

Food & Ecology

The Cell

Osmosis & Diffusion

Enzymes, Photosynthesis and Respiration

Bacteria, Fungi & Viruses

Plant Structure & Reproduction

Vegetative Propagation

Cell Division

DNA & RNA

Genetics & Genetic Crosses

Respiratory System

The Circulatory System

The Digestive System

The Nervous System

The Endocrine System

Lymphatic System

Human Reproduction

Excretion and Homeostasis

The Skeletal System

Human Defence

Biology Experiments

Grinds Fees

When Paid in Full

1st Subject

€1,099

Total: €1,099

2nd Subject

€549

Total: €1,648

3rd Subject

€549

Total: €2,197

4th Subject

€549

Total: €2,746

5th Subject

€549

Total: €3,295

6th Subject

€549

Total: €3,844

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 75-minute 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.

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

Please note grinds take place as normal on bank holidays

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?

Yes, weekly grinds take place as scheduled on bank holidays and public holidays throughout the year.

Hear from our Biology Students

“David exceeded all my expectations, genuinely the best teacher I’ve ever ever had, he is the reason I’m passing class exams, keep doing what he’s doing ♥”

Attended David's Biology Grinds