AQA GCSE Biology Past Papers

Complete AQA GCSE Biology Past Papers

GCSE Biology is part of our science suite, developed with teachers to inspire and challenge students of all abilities and aspirations.

The core content follows a coherent and logical story through biology. The clear, two-column format lists what students need to know and be able to do, alongside opportunities for skills development within that area of content. Further sections outline the requirements for skills in working scientifically, maths and practical assessment.

The ten required practical activities are linked to core content where they appropriately fit within the teaching to help develop understanding through hands-on experience. Seven of the ten required practicals are common with the Combined Science specifications, which helps with co-teaching.

Why choose AQA for GCSE Biology

Our philosophy: science for all

We believe that science has something to offer every student. That’s why we have a suite of science qualifications for Key Stage 4 ‒ to suit students of all abilities and all aspirations.

You’ll see that our GCSE Biology, along with Chemistry and Physics, is a clear straightforward specification, with clear straightforward exams, so all your students can realise their potential.

Our specification has been developed with teachers

We’ve involved over a thousand teachers in developing our specification, exams and resources. So you can be confident that our GCSE Biology is relevant and interesting to teach and to learn. We’ve ensured that:

the subject content is presented clearly, in a logical teaching order. We’ve also given teaching guidance and signposted opportunities for skills development throughout the specification
the subject content and required practicals in our GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy are also in our GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics. So you have the flexibility to co-teach or to move your students between courses
all our science qualifications provide opportunities for progression. Our GCSE Biology includes progression in the subject content and consistency in the exam questions, so that your students have the best preparation for A-level.

Our practicals have been trialled by teachers

There’s no better way to learn about science than through purposeful practical activities as part of day to day teaching and learning. Our ten required practicals:

are clearly laid out in the specification, so you know exactly what’s required
are deliberately open, so you can teach in the way that suits you and your students
have already been trialled in schools.

You’ll find even more support and guidance in our practical handbook, which includes recommendations and advice from teachers in the trial.

Straightforward exams, so students can give straightforward answers

We’ve improved our question papers. You’ll find that our exams:

use more straightforward language and fewer words so they’re easier to understand
have fewer contexts so students don’t get confused
have questions that increase in difficulty so students feel confident
have been written with our GCSE Maths and A-level science teams, so students have consistency between content and questions.

Over 3,000 students have sat our specimen question papers and they agree that they’re clearer and more straightforward than ever.

We don’t profit from education – you do

We are an educational charity focused on the needs of teachers and students. This means that we spend our income on improving the quality of our specifications, exams, resources and support.

You can find out all about our Science qualifications at aqa.org.uk/science

Support and resources to help you teach

We’ve worked with experienced teachers to provide you with a range of resources that will help you confidently plan, teach and prepare for exams.

Teaching resources

Visit aqa.org.uk/8461 to see all our teaching resources. They include:

additional practice papers to help students prepare for exams
schemes of work, written by experienced teachers, including a scheme of work specifically for Foundation tier students
a practical handbook, including recommendations and advice from teachers who’ve trialled our practicals
AQA-approved textbooks reviewed by experienced senior examiners
training courses to help you deliver AQA Biology qualifications
subject expertise courses for all teachers, from newly-qualified teachers who are just getting started to experienced teachers looking for fresh inspiration.

Preparing for exams

Visit aqa.org.uk/8461 for everything you need to prepare for our exams, including:

past papers, mark schemes and examiners’ reports
specimen papers and mark schemes for new courses
Exampro: a searchable bank of past AQA exam questions
exemplar student answers with examiner commentaries.

Analyse your students’ results with Enhanced Results Analysis (ERA)

Find out which questions were the most challenging, how the results compare to previous years and where your students need to improve. ERA, our free online results analysis tool, will help you see where to focus your teaching. Register at aqa.org.uk/era

For information about results, including maintaining standards over time, grade boundaries and our post-results services, visit aqa.org.uk/results

Keep your skills up-to-date with professional development

Wherever you are in your career, there’s always something new to learn. As well as subject-specific training, we offer a range of courses to help boost your skills.

Improve your teaching skills in areas including differentiation, teaching literacy and meeting Ofsted requirements.
Prepare for a new role with our leadership and management courses.

You can attend a course at venues around the country, in your school or online – whatever suits your needs and availability. Find out more at coursesandevents.aqa.org.uk