GCSE Biology
The AQA GCSE course is studied over three years and is assessed terminally by way of two exam papers
AQA GCSE Biology
The AQA GCSE course is studied over three years and is assessed terminally by way of two exam papers. The exam papers include:
Paper 1: 50% of the GCSE marks, 1hour 45 minutes and assesses the following topics:
Cell biology, Organisation, Infection and Response, and Bioenergetics.
Paper 2: 50% of the GCSE marks, 1hour 45 minutes and assesses the following topics:
Homeostasis and Response, Inheritance, Variation and Evolution; and Ecology
The questions will include a mixture of multiple choice, short response and extended written answers. There is no coursework or practical exam.
Further details of the course specifications can be found by visiting this link http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/biology-8461
Year 9
Boys receive a double and a single lesson of biology each week and topics studied in Year 9 include:
- Cells
- Transport in Cells
- Biological Molecules
- Organisation and Digestion,
- Ecology
Lessons and homework provide opportunities to develop knowledge and understanding, apply this in practical work and practice exam questions. Progress is carefully monitored through class work and an end of unit test composed of a combination of questions from past papers.
Careful preparation for tests and end of year exams is essential and should include a range of active revision strategies including mind maps, practising drawing and labelling diagrams, rewriting short notes, explaining concepts to others, and past paper questions.
Year 10
Boys receive 2 double and one single lessons of biology each week and topics studied in Year 10 include:
- Plant Nutrition
- The heart and health
- Infection and response
- Gas Exchange and Respiration
- Coordination and Response
- Homeostasis and Excretion.
Lessons and homework provide opportunities to develop knowledge and understanding and apply this in practical work and practice exam questions. Progress is carefully monitored through class work and an end of unit test composed of a combination of questions from past papers.
Careful preparation for tests and end of year exams is essential and should include a range of active revision strategies including mind maps, practising drawing and labelling diagrams, rewriting short notes, explaining concepts to others, and past paper questions.
Year 11
Boys receive 2 double and one single lessons of biology each week and topics studied in Year 11 include:
- Reproduction
- DNA Inheritance and Evolution
- Ecology
- Human Influences on the Ecosystem.
We have organised a comprehensive revision programme leading up to the GCSE exams where we will go back over all the topics covered from the start of year 9 and provide opportunities to practice the style of questions students can expect to see in the exams.
Lessons and homework provide opportunities to develop knowledge and understanding, and apply this in practical work and practice exam questions. Progress is carefully monitored through class work and an end of unit test composed of a combination of questions from past papers.
Careful preparation for tests and end of year exams is essential and should include a range of active revision strategies including mind maps, practising drawing and labelling diagrams, rewriting short notes, explaining concepts to others, and past paper questions.
We have produced an Independent Study Guide for each topic they study which includes the specification statements and some further past paper questions to practice with marks schemes. These can be found by students in the Class Materials in the Files of their class Team.
