Science - Year 11

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, 1 hour 45 minutes and assesses the following topics: Cell biology, Organisation, Infection and response, and Bioenergetics.
Paper 2: 50% of the GCSE marks, 1 hour 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 GCSE Biology

Boys receive 2 double lessons of biology each week and topics studied in Year 11 include:

Reproduction
DNA Inheritance and Evolution
Ecology and 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.

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: AQA GCSE Biology Revision Concise Checklist

There is also a more detailed checklist available which can be downloaded using this link:AQA GCSE Biology Revision Detailed Checklist

An overview of how the course is organised throughout the year can be found by visiting this link:- Year 11 Topic Planner

All students are issued with a copy of the new AQA 9-1 text book.
There are several endorsed text books available which will provide useful support for the course content. We have been able to purchase a whole year group set of books and will issue students with the CGP AQA 9-1 book.


Text Book GCSE AQA Biology For the Grade 9-1 Course CGP ISBN-10: 1782945954 ISBN-13: 978-1782945956	Revision Guide Combined Science For AQA (Grade 9-1) CGP ISBN-10: 1782945598 ISBN-13: 978-1782945598

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