AQA | GCSE Biology Paper 1 | 2025 predictions

Jen - Primrose Kitten

We’ve put in hours of research, analysing exam trends, past papers, and examiner reports to make these the most accurate, high-quality predicted papers for GCSE & Biology 📚✨

✅ Realistic, exam-style questions to test your knowledge
✅ Designed to match the real thing – so you know exactly what to expect
✅ Created by experts to give you the best prep possible

💡 And the best part? Our video walkthroughs will be FREE! So if you get stuck, I’ll take you through each question step by step, explaining exactly what the examiner wants to see. No stress, just solid revision. ☕📖

Which paper do you want?

AQA GCSE Biology | Higher | Paper 1 | 2025 Predicted Topics

Want to revise smarter, not harder? Our 2025 Predicted Papers are designed to match the real exams as closely as possible – grab yours now and get ahead! 🚀📖

1️⃣ Cell Structure & Specialised Cells

🧫 Key Concepts:

  • The differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

  • The structure and function of key organelles (nucleus, mitochondria, ribosomes, etc.).

  • Examples of specialised cells and how their adaptations help them function (e.g., nerve cells, root hair cells, sperm cells).


2️⃣ Organisation

🩺 Key Concepts:

  • The levels of organisation in organisms: cells → tissues → organs → organ systems.

  • The structure and function of major organ systems (e.g., the digestive system, circulatory system).

  • The role of enzymes in digestion and factors affecting enzyme activity (pH, temperature).


3️⃣ Diffusions and Active Transport

🌱 Key Concepts:

  • The difference between diffusion, osmosis, and active transport.

  • How active transport allows substances to move against a concentration gradient.

  • How molecules move by diffusion

  • Examples of diffusions and active transport in plants (root hair cells) and animals (glucose absorption in the small intestine).


4️⃣ Required Practical: Microscopy

🔬 Key Concepts:

  • How to prepare a slide of onion or cheek cells.

  • How to use a light microscope to view cells at different magnifications.

  • How to calculate magnification using the formula:


5️⃣ Required Practical: Photosynthesis

🌞 Key Concepts:

  • The photosynthesis equation and how light intensity affects the rate of photosynthesis.

  • How to set up the pondweed experiment to measure oxygen production.

  • The effects of different factors (light, CO₂, temperature) on photosynthesis rate.


6️⃣ Circulatory System & Exercise

💓 Key Concepts:

  • The structure and function of the heart, blood vessels, and blood components.

  • The role of arteries, veins, and capillaries.

  • How exercise affects heart rate and blood flow.

  • Anaerobic respiration.


7️⃣ Communicable Diseases (Including Plant Diseases & Malaria)

🦠 Key Concepts:

  • The difference between bacterial, viral, fungal, and protist diseases.

  • How pathogens spread and how the body defends itself.

  • Examples of plant diseases, including fungal infections.

  • The life cycle and transmission of malaria.


8️⃣ Monoclonal Antibodies

🧪 Key Concepts:

  • What monoclonal antibodies are and how they are produced.

  • How they are used in pregnancy tests, cancer treatment, and medical diagnosis.

  • The advantages and disadvantages of monoclonal antibodies.


9️⃣ Non-Communicable Disease & Lifestyle: Cancer

🎗️ Key Concepts:

  • The difference between benign and malignant tumours.

  • How lifestyle factors like smoking, diet, and radiation exposure contribute to cancer risk.

  • The role of genetics and environmental factors in cancer development.

🧪📖 You've worked so hard, and now it's time to trust yourself and go for it. Stay calm, take your time, and remember that one tricky question won’t ruin the whole paper.

The night before, join us for our live Masterclass, where we’ll go over last-minute tips, predicted topics, and key exam strategies to help you feel fully prepared. We’d love to see you there! 🌟

Take care of yourself, believe in what you’ve learned, and walk into that exam hall with confidence. You’ve got this! 💙


AQA GCSE Combined Science | Biology | Higher | Paper 1 | 2025 Predicted Topics

Our 2025 Predicted Papers are the best way to practise for your exams – packed with exam-style questions to help you feel confident and prepared. Download them now! 📚✨

1️⃣ Cell Structure & Specialised Cells

🧫 Key Concepts:

  • The differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

  • The structure and function of cell organelles (nucleus, mitochondria, ribosomes, etc.).

  • Examples of specialised cells and how their adaptations help them function (e.g., nerve cells, root hair cells, sperm cells).


2️⃣ Enzymes

🧪 Key Concepts:

  • The lock and key theory explaining enzyme action.

  • How temperature and pH affect enzyme activity.

  • The role of enzymes in digestion (amylase, protease, lipase).


3️⃣ Organisation

🩺 Key Concepts:

  • The levels of organisation in organisms: cells → tissues → organs → organ systems.

  • The structure and function of major organ systems (digestive system, circulatory system).


4️⃣ Diffusion and Active Transport

🌱 Key Concepts:

  • The difference between diffusion, osmosis, and active transport.

  • How active transport allows substances to move against a concentration gradient.

  • Examples of diffusion and active transport e.g. in plants (root hair cells) and animals (glucose absorption in the small intestine).


5️⃣ Electron Microscopes

🔬 Key Concepts:

  • The differences between light and electron microscopes.

  • Why electron microscopes provide higher magnification and resolution.


6️⃣ Required Practical: Microscopy

🔬 Key Concepts:

  • How to prepare a slide of onion or cheek cells.

  • How to use a light microscope to view cells at different magnifications.

  • How to calculate magnification using the formula:


7️⃣ Uses of Glucose in Plants

🌿 Key Concepts:

  • The products of photosynthesis and how plants use glucose.

  • Glucose is converted into starch, cellulose, proteins, fats, and used in respiration.


8️⃣ Required Practical: Photosynthesis

🌞 Key Concepts:

  • The photosynthesis equation and limiting factors (light intensity, CO₂, temperature).

  • How to set up and interpret the pondweed experiment.


9️⃣ Circulatory System & Effects of Exercise

💓 Key Concepts:

  • The structure and function of the heart, blood vessels, and blood components.

  • The role of arteries, veins, and capillaries.

  • How exercise affects heart rate and blood flow.

  • Anaerobic respiration.


🔟 Surface Area to Volume Ratio (SA:V)

📏 Key Concepts:

  • Why smaller organisms have a higher SA:V ratio.

  • Why large organisms need specialised exchange surfaces.


1️⃣1️⃣ Communicable Diseases (Including Plant Diseases & Malaria)

🦠 Key Concepts:

  • The difference between bacterial, viral, fungal, and protist diseases.

  • How pathogens spread and how the body defends itself.

  • Examples of plant diseases, including fungal infections.

  • The life cycle and transmission of malaria.


1️⃣2️⃣ Non-Communicable Diseases – Cancer & Lifestyle Risk Factors

🎗️ Key Concepts:

  • The difference between benign and malignant tumours.

  • How lifestyle factors like smoking, diet, and radiation exposure contribute to cancer risk.

🌟 Remember, you are so much more than your grades – all that matters is doing your best. Take deep breaths, get plenty of rest, and don’t forget to look after yourself. 💛

To help with any last-minute worries, we’ll be running a live Masterclass the night before the exam, where we’ll go over key topics, exam tips, and boost your confidence! We’d love to see you there – you’re not in this alone. 💪

You've got this! Believe in yourself, and we’re cheering you on every step of the way! 🚀✨


AQA GCSE Biology | Separate Science | Foundation | Paper 1 | 2025 Predicted Topics

The best way to prepare for your GCSEs? Practise with our 2025 Predicted Papers! They’re realistic and challenging. Download them now! 🎉📥

1️⃣ Cell Structure & Specialised Cells

🧫 Key Ideas:

  • The differences between plant, animal, and bacterial cells.

  • The function of different cell parts (nucleus, mitochondria, ribosomes, etc.).

  • Examples of specialised cells and their adaptations (e.g., nerve cells, sperm cells, root hair cells).


2️⃣ Enzymes

🧪 Key Ideas:

  • Enzymes help speed up reactions in the body.

  • The lock and key model – how enzymes only work with specific molecules.

  • Factors that affect enzyme activity (temperature and pH).


3️⃣ Organisation

🩺 Key Ideas:

  • The levels of organisation: cells → tissues → organs → organ systems.

  • The function of major organ systems (digestive, circulatory).

  • The role of enzymes in breaking down food.


4️⃣ Diffusion and Active Transport

🌱 Key Ideas:

  • The difference between diffusion, osmosis, and active transport.

  • Active transport moves substances against a concentration gradient, using energy.


5️⃣ Electron Microscopes

🔬 Key Ideas:

  • The difference between light microscopes and electron microscopes.

  • Why electron microscopes provide higher magnification and resolution.


6️⃣ Required Practical: Microscopy

🔬 Key Ideas:

  • How to use a microscope to look at cells.

  • How to calculate magnification using:


7️⃣ Uses of Glucose in Plants

🌿 Key Ideas:

  • Plants use glucose from photosynthesis for:
    🔹 Respiration – to release energy.
    🔹 Making cellulose – for strong cell walls.
    🔹 Making starch – to store energy.


8️⃣ Required Practical: Photosynthesis

🌞 Key Ideas:

  • How to test the effect of light intensity on photosynthesis.

  • How plants produce oxygen during photosynthesis.


9️⃣ Circulatory System & Effects of Exercise

💓 Key Ideas:

  • The heart, blood vessels, and blood components.

  • The role of arteries, veins, and capillaries.

  • How exercise affects heart rate and blood flow.

  • Anaerobic respiration.


🔟 Surface Area to Volume Ratio (SA:V)

📏 Key Ideas:

  • Small organisms have a higher SA:V ratio.

  • Large animals need specialised exchange surfaces to get enough oxygen and nutrients.


1️⃣1️⃣ Drug Development

💊 Key Ideas:

  • How new drugs are tested for safety and effectiveness.

  • Stages of testing: lab testing, animal testing, human trials.


1️⃣2️⃣ Communicable Diseases (Including Plant Diseases & Malaria)

🦠 Key Concepts:

  • The difference between bacterial, viral, fungal, and protist diseases.

  • How pathogens spread and how the body defends itself.

  • Examples of plant diseases, including fungal infections.

  • The life cycle and transmission of malaria.


1️⃣3️⃣ Non-Communicable Diseases – Cancer & Lifestyle Risk Factors

🎗️ Key Ideas:

  • The difference between benign and malignant tumours.

  • How lifestyle factors like smoking, diet, and radiation increase cancer risk.

💛 You’ve done so much revision, and now it’s about keeping a clear head and giving it your best shot. Take breaks, drink water, and get some fresh air – looking after your mental health is just as important as studying.

We’ll be running a live Masterclass the night before your Biology exam to go through the key topics and exam strategies, so if you need a confidence boost, we’d love to see you there! 🌿✨

You are capable, you are prepared, and no matter what happens, this exam does not define you. Good luck – we believe in you! 💪🌟


AQA GCSE Combined Science | Biology | Foundation | Paper 1 | 2025 Predicted Topics

Our 2025 Predicted Papers are your ultimate revision tool – covering key topics with exam-style questions to boost your confidence. Don’t miss out – download now! 🔥📝https://www.primrosekitten.com/collections/predicted-papers 

1️⃣ Cell Structure & Specialised Cells

🧫 Key Ideas:

  • The differences between plant, animal, and bacterial cells.

  • The function of cell parts (nucleus, mitochondria, cell membrane, etc.).

  • How specialised cells are adapted for their jobs (e.g., sperm cells, nerve cells, root hair cells).


2️⃣ Enzymes

🧪 Key Ideas:

  • Enzymes help speed up reactions in the body.

  • The lock and key model – enzymes only fit specific molecules.

  • Factors that affect enzymes (temperature, pH).


3️⃣ Organisation

🩺 Key Ideas:

  • The levels of organisation: cells → tissues → organs → organ systems.

  • The function of major organ systems (digestive, circulatory).

  • The role of enzymes in digestion.


4️⃣ Diffusion and Active Transport

🌱 Key Ideas:

  • The difference between diffusion, osmosis, and active transport.

  • Active transport moves substances against a concentration gradient using energy.

  • Examples: root hair cells in plants, glucose absorption in the intestines.


5️⃣ Electron Microscopes

🔬 Key Ideas:

  • The difference between light microscopes and electron microscopes.

  • Why electron microscopes show more detail than light microscopes.


6️⃣ Required Practical: Microscopy

🔬 Key Ideas:

  • How to use a microscope to look at cells.

  • How to calculate magnification using:


7️⃣ Uses of Glucose in Plants

🌿 Key Ideas:

  • Plants use glucose from photosynthesis for:
    🔹 Respiration – to release energy.
    🔹 Making cellulose – for strong cell walls.
    🔹 Making starch – to store energy.


8️⃣ Required Practical: Photosynthesis

🌞 Key Ideas:

  • How to test the effect of light intensity on photosynthesis.

  • How plants produce oxygen during photosynthesis.


9️⃣ Circulatory System & Effects of Exercise

💓 Key Ideas:

  • The heart, blood vessels, and blood components.

  • The role of arteries, veins, and capillaries.

  • How exercise affects heart rate and blood flow.

  • Anaerobic respiration.


🔟 Surface Area to Volume Ratio (SA:V)

📏 Key Ideas:

  • Small organisms have a higher SA:V ratio.

  • Large animals need specialised exchange surfaces to get enough oxygen and nutrients.


1️⃣1️⃣ Communicable Diseases (Including Plant Diseases)

🦠 Key Concepts:

  • The difference between bacterial, viral, fungal, and protist diseases.

  • How pathogens spread and how the body defends itself.

  • Examples of plant diseases, including fungal infections.


1️⃣2️⃣Non-Communicable Diseases – Cancer & Lifestyle Risk Factors

🎗️ Key Ideas:

  • The difference between benign and malignant tumours.

  • How lifestyle factors like smoking, diet, and radiation increase cancer risk.

🎉 Don’t stress too much – just do your best and remember that no exam is worth sacrificing your mental health over. Take care of yourself, eat something nice, and maybe even have a dance break before heading into revision mode. 💃🕺

The night before the exam, we’ll be running a live Masterclass, where we’ll go through last-minute tips, key topics, and answer any last-minute questions. We’d love to see you there! 🧪📚

Good luck – you’re going to smash it! 🚀🔥

Everything You Need to Know for AQA GCSE Biology Paper 1

If you're preparing for AQA GCSE Biology Paper 1, you might have a lot of questions: How many papers are there? How long is the exam? What’s the best way to revise? Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know for GCSE Biology across Combined Science and Separate Science, at both Foundation and Higher tier.


📜 How Many Papers Are There in GCSE Biology?

Separate Science (GCSE Biology)

  • Two papers – Paper 1 and Paper 2.

  • You will receive a separate GCSE in Biology.

Combined Science (Trilogy)

  • Two Biology papers (Paper 1 and Paper 2), but your final grade is based on all six science papers (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics).

  • This course results in two GCSE grades for Science rather than a separate GCSE in Biology.

Both Paper 1 and Paper 2 cover different topics, so make sure you’re revising the correct ones for each exam!


🕒 How Long is GCSE Biology Paper 1?

The length of the exam depends on whether you're taking Combined Science or Separate Science and whether you're doing Foundation or Higher tier.

Paper

Exam Board

Tier

Duration

Marks

GCSE Biology (Paper 1)

AQA

Foundation

1 hour 45 mins

100 marks

GCSE Biology (Paper 1)

AQA

Higher

1 hour 45 mins

100 marks

Combined Science (Paper 1: Biology)

AQA

Foundation

1 hour 15 mins

70 marks

Combined Science (Paper 1: Biology)

AQA

Higher

1 hour 15 mins

70 marks

  • Separate Science papers are longer (1 hour 45 minutes) because they cover more content and lead to a full GCSE in Biology.

  • Combined Science papers are shorter (1 hour 15 minutes) because they contribute to a double Science GCSE.


📚 What Topics Are Covered in AQA GCSE Biology Paper 1?

Separate Science (GCSE Biology)

Paper 1 covers:
✅ Cell Biology (cell structure, cell division, transport in cells)
✅ Organisation (digestive system, circulatory system, plant tissues)
✅ Infection & Response (pathogens, immune system, vaccinations, monoclonal antibodies)
✅ Bioenergetics (photosynthesis, respiration, exercise)

Combined Science (Biology Paper 1)

Covers the same topics but in slightly less detail. You won’t need to know:
❌ Monoclonal antibodies
❌ Some higher-level respiration content
❌ Certain enzyme experiments

Higher-tier students will have more challenging questions that require applying knowledge to unfamiliar situations.


📝 Flashcards for GCSE Biology Revision

Flashcards are an amazing way to revise key Biology facts! Here’s how to use them effectively:

✅ Create your own flashcards – writing things out helps you remember them better!
✅ Use a mix of definitions, diagrams, and key facts.
✅ Test yourself regularly – don’t just read them!
✅ Try digital flashcards on apps like Quizlet or Anki for easy revision on the go.

💡 Top flashcard topics to cover:

  • The functions of organelles (nucleus, mitochondria, ribosomes, etc.)

  • The equations for photosynthesis and respiration

  • How enzymes work and factors affecting enzyme activity

  • The difference between diffusion, osmosis, and active transport

  • Key pathogens and diseases


📖 AQA GCSE Biology Past Papers

One of the best ways to prepare for your exam is to practise with past papers. AQA past papers help you:

  • Get used to the exam format and question styles.

  • Understand the level of detail needed in your answers.

  • Practise timing yourself so you don’t run out of time in the real exam.

💡 Where to find AQA GCSE Biology past papers?

  • You can download official AQA past papers from the AQA website.

  • We also have 2025 Predicted Papers available for free – these are designed to be as close as possible to the real thing!


🔑 Best Ways to Revise for AQA GCSE Biology

There’s no single “best” way to revise – different techniques work for different people! But here are some tried-and-tested revision methods:

1️⃣ Active Recall (Don’t Just Read!)

The best revision happens when you test yourself rather than just reading notes. Try:

  • Cover-write-check – Read a section, cover it up, write down what you remember, then check.

  • Use past papers to test your knowledge under exam conditions.

  • Teach someone else – If you can explain a topic clearly, you know it well!

2️⃣ Use Mind Maps

Mind maps help link ideas together, especially for big topics like the circulatory system or respiration. Try:

  • Starting with the main topic in the centre and drawing branches for key points.

  • Adding diagrams and colours to make it easier to remember.

  • Practising drawing them from memory – this helps with recall!

3️⃣ Watch Revision Videos

If you’re a visual learner, watching videos can make tricky concepts much easier. Our free YouTube videos walk you through Biology topics in a relaxed and easy-to-understand way.

📺 Check out our Biology revision videos here: [Insert link]

4️⃣ Practise Exam Questions

Doing past paper questions helps you:

  • Get used to how questions are worded.

  • Spot patterns in what examiners like to ask.

  • Improve your timing so you don’t rush in the real exam.

5️⃣ Attend a Masterclass the Night Before!

The night before your exam, we’ll be running a live Masterclass, covering:
✅ Key topics & common exam questions
✅ Last-minute revision tips
✅ How to avoid silly mistakes

It’s a great way to boost your confidence and calm your nerves before the big day. Join us live – we’d love to see you there! 🌟

👉 Sign up for the Masterclass here: [Insert link]


💡 Final Tips for GCSE Biology Paper 1

🔹 Start revising early – don’t leave it until the last minute!
🔹 Mix up your revision methods – try flashcards, past papers, and videos.
🔹 Take breaks – your brain needs time to process information!
🔹 Get a good night’s sleep before the exam – being well-rested helps more than last-minute cramming.
🔹 Stay calm and believe in yourself – you’ve got this!

Good luck with your Biology Paper 1! We’re cheering you on! 🚀💪

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