GCSE biology explores the key principles behind the science of living organisms. With the ever-increasing role of science in society, it is essential to understand GCSE-level biology; and be able to use it as a platform/base for your scientific knowledge.
The three main exam boards that examine GCSE Biology are AQA, OCR and Edexcel. Each board has two papers with the option of taking the foundation level or higher level. While there is some variation in the subject content between boards, the key ideas remain constant. Paper 1 of each board normally examines the basic concepts of GCSE Biology. Paper 2 deals with more complex principles of biology. The specific topics tested by each board can be found in the tables below. The key difference between Biology and the other two core sciences is that it’s very content-heavy.
At Redbridge Tuition, we help students to continuously work in smaller, feasible portions. This prevents them from becoming overwhelmed closer to the exam period.
Previously, it was sufficient to just learn and memorise the content. However, GCSE Biology exams have evolved and have become a lot more difficult. Students need to integrate their knowledge of facts and apply this in various scenarios and case studies. In addition to this, exam boards have very specific requirements in what they require as answers in exam papers.
Redbridge Tuition tutoring helps students to not only become knowledgeable biologists but to have a detailed understanding of how to apply their knowledge to given contexts and providing appropriate exam answers. With this, we aid our students in maximising their potential and gaining as many marks as possible in their GCSE biology exam.
GCSE Exam Specifications by Exam Board
Listed below are the various specifications that are used for GCSE exams:
OCR 21st Century Science Suite – GCSE Biology A Specification:
| Paper One | Paper Two | Paper Three |
|---|---|---|
| You and your genes | The process of life | Further biology |
| Keeping healthy | Growth and Development | |
| Life on Earth | Brain and mind |
OCR 21st Century Science Suite – GCSE Biology B Specification:
| Paper One | Paper Two |
|---|---|
| You and your genes | Human biology – staying alive |
| Keeping healthy | Life on Earth – past, present and future |
| Living together – food and ecosystems | Ideas about science |
| Using food and controlling growth | Practical skills |
OCR Gateway Science – GCSE Biology A Specification:
| Paper One | Paper Two |
|---|---|
| Cell living systems | Community level systems |
| Scaling up | Genes, inheritance and selection |
| Organism level systems | Global changes |
| Practical skills | Practical skills |
OCR Gateway Science – GCSE Biology B Specification:
| Paper One | Paper Two |
|---|---|
| Understanding organisms | It’s a green world |
| Understanding our environment | The living body |
| Living and growing | Beyond the microscope |
| Practical skills | Practical skills |
Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Biology:
Each paper:
• is worth 100 marks
• Has a weighting is 50%
• has 10 questions
• will last 1 hour 45 minute
| Paper One | Paper Two |
|---|---|
| Key concepts in biology | Key concepts in biology |
| Cells and control | Plant structures and their functions |
| Genetics | Animal coordination, control and homeostasis |
| Natural selection and genetic modification | Exchange and transport in animals |
| Health, disease and development in medicines | Ecosystems and material cycles |
AQA GCSE (9-1) Biology:
Each paper:
• is worth 100 marks
• Has a weighting is 50%
• has 10 questions
• will last 1 hour 45 minute
| Paper One | Paper Two |
|---|---|
| Cell biology | Homeostasis and response |
| Organisation | Inheritance |
| Infection and response | Variation and evolution |
| Bioenergetics | Ecology |
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