GCSE Biology - Years 9, 10 & 11
Specification
AQA GCSE Biology: The specification and assessment structure can be found at the link: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/biology-8461
What will I study?
The course consists of
What Skills and Qualities are required?
How will I learn?
How will I be assessed?
Where could it lead?
Additional requirements/information
Year 09
| Topic | Further details about the topic | Skills | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term | |||
| 1 | Cell Biology |
Cell structure Animal and plant cells Microscopy |
Using microscopes Drawing and measuring Mathematical calculations |
| 2 | Transport in cells |
Diffusion Osmosis Active transport Growth, differentiation Stem cells |
Working scientifically Planning, recording and analysing data |
| Spring Term | |||
| 1 | Organisation and digestive system |
Tissues and organs Chemistry of food |
Practical skills |
| 2 | Organisation and digestive systems |
Human digestive system Enzymes |
Working scientifically Planning, recording and analysing Evaluating methods and data |
| Summer Term | |||
| 1 | Organising animals and plants |
Circulatory system including the heart Breathing and gas exchange |
Further development of application skills |
| 2 | Transport systems | Transport in plants | Mathematical calculations |
Year 10
| Topic | Further details about the topic | Skills | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term | |||
| 1 | Communicable Disease |
Animal and plant diseases Viral and bacterial diseases |
Working scientifically Evaluating research |
| 2 | Preventing and treating disease |
Vaccination Antibiotics Developing drugs Monoclonal antibodies |
Application skills Analysing data |
| Spring Term | |||
| 1 | Non communicable diseases and photosynthesis |
Cancer Smoking Diet, exercise and disease |
Evaluating data and claims |
| 2 | Respiration and human nervous system |
Response to exercise The brain |
Working scientifically Mathematical skills Presentation of data |
| Summer Term | |||
| 1 | Hormonal Coordination |
Controlling blood glucose Menstrual cycle Plant hormones |
Application skills Evaluating |
| 2 |
Adaptations interdependence and competition |
Competition and adaptations in animals and plants Distribution and abundance of organisms |
Investigative skills Fieldwork using sampling techniques |
Year 11
| Topic | Further details about the topic | Skills | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term | |||
| 1 | Homeostasis in action |
Kidneys Controlling body temperature |
Working scientifically Planning, recording, analysing and evaluating methods and data |
| 2 | DNA and genetics | Protein synthesis | |
| Spring Term | |||
| 1 | Variation and evolution |
Natural selection Selective breeding Genetic engineering Cloning History of genetics and evolution Fossils and extinction |
|
| 2 | Adaptations, interdependence and communities |
Competition Adaptation in plants and animals Feeding relationships Cycling and decomposition |
|
| Summer Term | |||
| 1 | Biodiversity and ecosystems |
Pollution Global warming Food production Maintaining biodiversity |
|
Assessments
| Resources | Topic | Type of assessment |
|---|---|---|
| CAT 1 |
Cell structure and transport Cell division |
Exam style questions |
| CAT 2 |
Cell structure and transport Cell division Organisation and the digestive system Organising animals and plants |
End of year examination |
| CAT 3 |
Organising animals and plants Communicable diseases |
Test (exam style questions) |
| CAT 4 | All disease topics and photosynthesis | Test (exam style questions) |
| CAT 5 | All GCSE topics covered so far |
End of year examination |
| CAT 6 |
Homeostasis in action reproduction |
Test (exam style questions) |
| CAT 7 | Paper 1 (chapters 1-9) | Mock examination |
| CAT 8 | GCSE Assessment Objectives |
Main Resources
| Resource | Details | Term |
|---|---|---|
| Text books |
AQA Science Biology new GCSE (Oxford University Press) |
All |
| Recommended reading |
GCSE Biology AQA revision guide by CGP GCSE Biology AQA revision guide (Oxford University Press) |
All |
| Recommended websites |
www.kerboodle.com (all pupils will have a login to this resource) |
All |
| Equipment | Pens, pencils, rulers, calculator | All |
Enrichment opportunities
| Activity | Day and time or term |
|---|---|
| Year 11 Revision sessions | From April |
