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 AQA website link

Boys receive 2 double 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.

To assist in this process we have provided a concise revision check list which will be issued to each boy later in the year and can also be accessed using this link:
Year 10 Concise Revision Checklist

There is also a more detailed checklist available which can be downloaded using this link:
Year 10 Detailed Revision Checklist

An overview of how the course is organised throughout the year can be found by visiting this link: Year 10 Topic Planner

Text Book Cambridge iGCSE Biology Coursebook (second edition) by Mary Jones and Geoff Jones Used in lessons and issued in year 10 ISBN-13: 978-0521124430	Revision Guide CGP Combined Science for AQA. (Grade 9-1) ISBN-10: 1782945598 ISBN-13: 978-1782945598

Parents may wish to purchase a text book specifically designed for the new AQA 9-1 GCSE course. There are several good books available and would be suitable. We will be issuing every boy with a copy of the CGP AQA 9-1 Textbook in year 11.

Text Book GCSE AQA Biology For the Grade 9-1 Course CGP ISBN-10: 1782945954 ISBN-13: 978-1782945956

Websites

There are a number of useful websites that can assist consolidation and revision.
Some useful links are included.

Love Biology

BBC Bitesize

AQA student support