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Table of Contents

• Paper 2: Anglo-Saxon and Norman England, c1060–88 …

• Paper 2: Henry VIII and His Ministers, 1509–40 – P …

• Paper 2: Early Elizabethan England, 1558–88 – Pred …

• Paper 2: The American West, c1835–c1895 – Predicte …

• Paper 2: Superpower Relations and the Cold War, 19 …

Paper 2: Anglo-Saxon and Norman England, c1060–88 – Predicted Topics & Revision Guide

The Anglo-Saxon and Norman England unit is packed with battles, power struggles, and major changes in England’s society, government, and Church. It’s one of the most fascinating parts of Edexcel GCSE History, but with so many events and names to remember, revision can feel overwhelming.

Our 2025 predicted topics highlight the areas we think are most likely to appear, helping you revise effectively and feel confident in your exam.

📍 Harold Godwinson’s Embassy to Normandy

• Harold Godwinson, the Earl of Wessex, was sent on an embassy to Normandy in 1064.

• He was possibly sent by King Edward the Confessor to confirm William of Normandy as his successor (although historians debate this).

• While in Normandy, Harold was captured by Count Guy of Ponthieu and later handed over to William.

• Harold swore an oath of loyalty to William, which William later used to claim that Harold had betrayed him by taking the English throne in 1066.

🔍 Why is this important?

• It was one of the key causes of the Norman Conquest.

• William used Harold’s oath-breaking as justification for invading England in 1066.

• It raises questions about whether Harold was forced to swear loyalty or if he did it willingly.

📝 Exam Tip: If asked about the significance of Harold’s embassy, explain how William used it as evidence that Harold was a usurper.

🏰 The Submission of the Earls to William in 1066

• After William won the Battle of Hastings (14th October 1066), he still had to secure England.

• He marched through Kent and the south-east, taking key towns and securing supplies.

• The most powerful Anglo-Saxon earls, Edwin (Earl of Mercia) and Morcar (Earl of Northumbria), submitted to William at Berkhamsted in December 1066.

• The earls submitted because:

  • They lacked a strong leader after Harold’s death.

  • William controlled key locations, including Dover and London.

  • They feared further destruction after William’s brutal tactics in the south.

🔍 Why is this important?

• It shows that many Anglo-Saxons accepted William as king rather than continuing to resist.

• William was able to secure England quickly without major battles after Hastings.

📝 Exam Tip: If asked about why the submission of the earls was important, explain how William used military strength and intimidation to secure power.

⛪ How and Why the Church in England Changed After 1066

Before 1066:

• The Anglo-Saxon Church was powerful and independent.

• Bishops were often wealthy nobles and played a role in politics.

• The Pope had little direct control over England’s Church.

Changes After 1066:

• Normanisation of the Church:

  • Archbishop Stigand was replaced by Lanfranc in 1070, bringing the Church under Norman control.

  • Many Anglo-Saxon bishops were replaced with Normans.

• Stronger control from Rome:

  • Papal authority increased, meaning the Pope had more influence.

  • Clergy had to swear loyalty to the king, making William more powerful.

• Changes in Church buildings:

  • Cathedrals were rebuilt in the Norman style.

🔍 Why is this important?

• William used the Church to strengthen his rule, ensuring it supported him rather than Anglo-Saxon leaders.

• It helped spread Norman culture and power across England.

📝 Exam Tip: If asked about why William changed the Church, explain how it helped him control England by removing Anglo-Saxon influence.

⚔️ The Threat Posed by Anglo-Saxon Resistance (1068–71)

William faced major rebellions after 1066, showing that his control was not guaranteed.

🔹 1068: Rebellion of Edwin and Morcar

• The two earls rebelled in Mercia and Northumbria but were quickly defeated.

• William built castles in key areas to establish control.

🔹 1069: Uprising in the North

• A rebellion in York was supported by Danish Vikings.

• William responded with brutal force, leading to the Harrying of the North (1069–70).

🔹 1070–71: Hereward the Wake and Ely

• Hereward the Wake led resistance in the Fens, working with the Danes.

• The rebellion was crushed when the Danes abandoned the cause.

🔍 Why is this important?

• Shows that William’s rule was not immediately secure – it took years to crush resistance.

• The Harrying of the North showed how ruthless William could be in dealing with opposition.

📝 Exam Tip: If asked about why Anglo-Saxon resistance failed, mention William’s military strength, use of castles, and brutal tactics.

👑 Comparing William’s Royal Power to an Anglo-Saxon King

🔍 Why is this important?

• William created a stronger, more centralised monarchy, reducing the power of earls.

• The feudal system meant that land and military service were directly linked to the king.

📝 Exam Tip: If asked to compare William’s power to an Anglo-Saxon king, focus on military control, landownership, and Church influence.

Paper 2: Henry VIII and His Ministers, 1509–40 – Predicted Topics & Revision Guide

Henry VIII’s reign (1509–40) was a period of dramatic change in England, marked by power struggles, religious upheaval, and political reform. This unit of Edexcel GCSE History focuses on Henry’s key ministers – Cardinal Wolsey and Thomas Cromwell – and the changes they brought to England.

With so many key events to cover, it’s important to revise strategically. Our 2025 predicted topics focus on the areas we think are most likely to come up, helping you revise smarter and feel confident in your exam.

📍 The Amicable Grant (1525)

• The Amicable Grant was a tax introduced by Cardinal Wolsey to fund Henry VIII’s war with France.

• It was supposed to be a "gift" to the king, but in reality, it was a forced loan that people had to pay.

• The tax was deeply unpopular, and in 1525, there were rebellions in Suffolk and other areas.

• Henry VIII was forced to cancel the tax, and Wolsey’s authority was damaged.

🔍 Why is this important?

• Shows how Wolsey struggled to raise money without Parliament.

• Demonstrates the limits of Henry’s power – he couldn’t impose taxes without resistance.

📝 Exam Tip: If asked about why the Amicable Grant failed, mention:
✅ It was introduced without Parliament’s approval
✅ Ordinary people could not afford it
✅ Rebellions forced Henry to back down

⛪ John Fisher’s Opposition to the Reformation

• John Fisher, Bishop of Rochester, was one of the most outspoken critics of Henry’s Reformation.

• He believed that Henry had no right to break with the Pope and argued that the Pope’s authority should remain in England.

• In 1534, he refused to swear the Oath of Supremacy, which recognised Henry as the head of the Church of England.

• As a result, Fisher was executed for treason in 1535.

🔍 Why is this important?

• Shows how Henry dealt harshly with opponents of the Reformation.

• Highlights how not everyone in England supported Henry’s break from Rome.

📝 Exam Tip: If asked about opposition to the Reformation, include Fisher and explain how Henry used execution to silence critics.

🛐 The Reasons for Henry’s Decision to Break with Rome

Henry VIII’s decision to break with Rome (1534) was driven by a mix of personal, political, and financial reasons:

🔍 Why is this important?

• The Break with Rome led to huge religious and political changes in England.

• Henry gained more power, but also created religious division.

📝 Exam Tip: If asked about why Henry broke with Rome, explain multiple reasons (not just his marriage!) and link them together.

🌍 The Success of Wolsey’s Foreign Policy

Cardinal Wolsey (1515–29) was responsible for Henry VIII’s foreign policy, but how successful was he?

🔍 Why is this important?

• Wolsey was skilled in diplomacy, but England lacked the money and power to dominate Europe.

• His failures in foreign policy contributed to his fall from power in 1529.

📝 Exam Tip: If asked about Wolsey’s foreign policy, give a balanced answer – he had some successes, but England remained weak compared to other countries.

🏛 Parliament and Cromwell’s Changes to Government

When Thomas Cromwell became Henry’s chief minister (1532–40), he transformed government in England.

🔹 Cromwell’s Key Changes

1️⃣ The Act of Supremacy (1534) – Made Henry Head of the Church of England.
2️⃣ The Dissolution of the Monasteries (1536–40) – Closed monasteries and took their wealth.
3️⃣ Reform of Government – Power shifted from the king’s household to central government and Parliament.

🔍 Why is this important?

• Cromwell’s reforms gave Parliament more power, making England more centrally governed.

• The Dissolution of the Monasteries changed England’s religious landscape forever.

📝 Exam Tip: If asked about Cromwell’s impact, explain how he strengthened Henry’s rule and made government more efficient.

Paper 2: Early Elizabethan England, 1558–88 – Predicted Topics & Revision Guide

The Early Elizabethan England unit covers one of the most fascinating periods in British history, filled with religious conflict, political conspiracies, rebellions, and changes in society. Elizabeth I’s reign (1558–1603) shaped England’s future, but her early years were particularly challenging as she faced threats from home and abroad.

With so many key events to remember, smart revision is essential. Our 2025 predicted topics highlight the areas we think are most likely to come up, helping you revise effectively and feel confident in your exam.

📍 The Ridolfi Plot (1571)

• The Ridolfi Plot was a Catholic conspiracy to overthrow Elizabeth I and replace her with Mary, Queen of Scots.

• Roberto Ridolfi, an Italian banker, planned the plot with Mary, Queen of Scots, Philip II of Spain, and the Duke of Norfolk.

• The plan was for Spanish forces to invade England, support a Catholic uprising, and put Mary on the throne.

• The plot failed because Elizabeth’s spies uncovered it, and the Duke of Norfolk was executed in 1572.

🔍 Why is this important?

• Shows the constant Catholic threats to Elizabeth’s rule.

• Increased Elizabeth’s paranoia about Mary, Queen of Scots.

📝 Exam Tip: If asked about threats to Elizabeth, compare the Ridolfi Plot with later Catholic plots (e.g., Throckmorton and Babington).

⚔️ Robert Dudley’s Involvement in the Netherlands

• In 1585, Elizabeth sent Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, to help Protestant rebels in the Netherlands fight against Spanish rule.

• Spain controlled the Netherlands, but Dutch Protestants wanted independence.

• Elizabeth officially supported them by signing the Treaty of Nonsuch (1585) and sending English troops led by Dudley.

• Dudley’s campaign was unsuccessful – he struggled to control his troops and was eventually recalled in 1587.

🔍 Why is this important?

• Increased tensions between England and Spain, helping to trigger the Spanish Armada (1588).

• Shows Elizabeth’s cautious foreign policy, as she was reluctant to directly attack Spain.

📝 Exam Tip: If asked about England’s foreign policy, link Dudley’s failures in the Netherlands to rising conflict with Spain.

⛪ Religious Challenges Faced by Elizabeth on Her Accession (1558)

When Elizabeth became queen in 1558, England was deeply divided between Catholics and Protestants. She had to find a way to establish religious stability.

🔹 Key Challenges:

1️⃣ Catholic Threats – Many Catholics refused to accept Elizabeth as queen because they saw Mary, Queen of Scots, as the rightful heir.
2️⃣ Puritans (Extreme Protestants) – Puritans wanted further Protestant reforms, such as removing bishops.
3️⃣ Foreign Pressure – Catholic countries like Spain and France were potential threats to Elizabeth’s Protestant rule.

🔹 Elizabeth’s Solution: The Religious Settlement (1559)

• Act of Supremacy – Made Elizabeth Supreme Governor of the Church of England.

• Act of Uniformity – Introduced a moderate Protestant Church with elements of Catholic tradition to keep both sides happy.

• Royal Injunctions – Forced people to attend church or pay a fine.

🔍 Why is this important?

• Shows how Elizabeth carefully balanced religion to avoid civil war.

• Laid the foundation for the Anglican Church, which still exists today.

📝 Exam Tip: If asked about how Elizabeth handled religious challenges, explain how she used compromise to maintain stability.

🏰 Causes of the Revolt of the Northern Earls (1569)

• The Revolt of the Northern Earls was an attempt by Catholic nobles to remove Elizabeth and restore Catholic rule.

• Led by the Earls of Northumberland and Westmorland, the rebels planned to rescue Mary, Queen of Scots, and overthrow Elizabeth.

• However, Elizabeth’s army crushed the rebellion, and Northumberland was executed in 1572.

🔹 Key Causes of the Revolt:

1️⃣ Religion – The Earls were devout Catholics who wanted to restore Catholicism.
2️⃣ Loss of Power – Elizabeth reduced the Earls’ influence in the north, angering them.
3️⃣ Mary, Queen of Scots – The Earls hoped to make Mary Queen of England.

🔍 Why is this important?

• This was Elizabeth’s first major rebellion, showing that not all of England supported her rule.

• It led to harsher laws against Catholics, making it harder for them to practice their religion.

📝 Exam Tip: If asked about why the rebellion failed, discuss Elizabeth’s strong leadership, lack of foreign support, and poor planning by the Earls.

💰 The Nature and Extent of Change in the Treatment of the Poor

During Elizabeth’s reign, poverty increased significantly, leading to new laws and attitudes towards the poor.

🔹 Reasons for Increased Poverty:

1️⃣ Population Growth – More people = more unemployment.
2️⃣ Enclosure – Landowners fenced off land, reducing farming jobs.
3️⃣ Inflation – Prices of food and goods increased faster than wages.

🔹 Changes in the Treatment of the Poor:

• Poor Relief – Local communities collected money to support the poor.

• The Poor Laws (1572 & 1601) – Created a national system to support the poor.

• Workhouses and Houses of Correction – Provided jobs for the poor but also acted as punishment for beggars.

🔍 Why is this important?

• Showed that Elizabethans were starting to recognise poverty as a social issue rather than just blaming the poor for being "lazy".

• The Poor Laws influenced later welfare reforms in Britain.

📝 Exam Tip: If asked about the impact of poverty laws, discuss how they were a step forward but still harsh towards beggars.

Paper 2: The American West, c1835–c1895 – Predicted Topics & Revision Guide

The American West unit covers a fascinating and often brutal period in U.S. history, where conflict, expansion, and lawlessness shaped the lives of settlers, Native Americans, and outlaws alike. With so many key events and turning points to remember, structured revision is crucial.

Our 2025 predicted topics focus on the areas we think are most likely to come up, helping you revise smarter and feel confident in your exam.

🌲 The Timber Culture Act (1873)

• The Timber Culture Act was passed in 1873 to encourage tree planting on the Great Plains.

• Settlers were given 160 acres of land if they agreed to plant 40 acres of trees.

• The aim was to help solve the problems of farming in the dry Plains by increasing wood supply for homes and fences.

• However, many settlers struggled to grow trees due to the harsh conditions, and the act was often misused by cattle ranchers to claim more land.

🔍 Why is this important?

• Shows how the U.S. government tried to encourage settlement on the Plains.

• Highlights the difficulties of farming in the West.

📝 Exam Tip: If asked about government policies encouraging settlement, compare the Timber Culture Act (1873) with the Homestead Act (1862).

🔫 The Gunfight at the OK Corral (1881)

• The gunfight at the OK Corral took place in Tombstone, Arizona, on 26 October 1881.

• It was a famous shootout between lawmen (including Wyatt Earp) and a group of outlaws (the Clanton and McLaury brothers).

• The gunfight lasted about 30 seconds, but it became legendary in American history.

• It symbolised the lawlessness of the West, where disputes were often settled by violence rather than legal processes.

🔍 Why is this important?

• Shows the difficulties of law enforcement in the West.

• Highlights how guns and violence were often used to maintain control.

📝 Exam Tip: If asked about lawlessness in the West, discuss the role of sheriffs, vigilantes, and famous gunfights like the OK Corral.

🏛 Developments in US Government Policy Towards the Indigenous Peoples of the Plains

The U.S. government’s treatment of Native Americans changed significantly between 1835 and 1895.

🔹 Early Period (1830s–1850s): Indian Removal

• The Indian Removal Act (1830) forced Native Americans onto reservations.

• The Treaty of Fort Laramie (1851) aimed to keep peace by defining Native lands.

🔹 Conflict and War (1860s–1870s): Destruction of Native Life

• The Sand Creek Massacre (1864) and Battle of Little Bighorn (1876) highlighted tensions between settlers and Native tribes.

• The Dawes Act (1887) tried to assimilate Native Americans by breaking up tribal lands into individual plots.

🔍 Why is this important?

• Shows how U.S. policies shifted from removal to assimilation.

• Highlights how Native American culture and land were systematically destroyed.

📝 Exam Tip: If asked about government treatment of Native Americans, show how policies changed over time, from removal to forced assimilation.

🐄 Joseph McCoy and the Growth of the Cattle Industry

• Joseph McCoy was a key figure in expanding the cattle industry in the 1860s.

• He founded Abilene, Kansas (1867) as the first "cow town", where cowboys could drive cattle north to be sold and transported by rail.

• He promoted the idea of cattle trails and helped establish the Chisholm Trail, allowing ranchers to sell cattle for a higher price in the East.

🔍 Why is this important?

• McCoy helped turn cattle ranching into a major industry.

• His work led to conflicts between cattle ranchers, farmers, and Native Americans.

📝 Exam Tip: If asked about the cattle industry, explain how McCoy’s ideas helped connect Texas ranches with national markets.

🚶 The Oregon Trail and Migration to the West

• The Oregon Trail was the main route settlers took to move west in the 1840s–1860s.

• It stretched over 2,000 miles, running from Missouri to Oregon.

• Settlers travelled west in wagon trains, facing challenges like disease, attacks, and extreme weather.

🔍 Why is this important?

• Helped fulfill Manifest Destiny (the belief that Americans were destined to expand westward).

• Increased conflict with Native Americans, as more settlers took over tribal lands.

📝 Exam Tip: If asked about migration to the West, explain push factors (overcrowding in the East) and pull factors (land and opportunity in the West).

🚂 Railroads and Lawlessness in the West

• The Transcontinental Railroad (completed 1869) linked the East and West, making migration faster and easier.

• Railroads helped cattle ranchers, as they could transport meat to cities in the East.

• However, they also increased lawlessness, as more people moved west looking for opportunities.

🔹 Railroads and Crime:

• Boomtowns sprang up near railway stations, attracting gamblers, thieves, and outlaws.

• Train robberies became common – famous outlaws like Jesse James targeted trains carrying gold.

• Law enforcement was weak in the West, leading to vigilante justice.

🔍 Why is this important?

• Shows how railroads changed the economy but also increased crime and lawlessness.

• Helped unite the U.S. but contributed to Native American displacement.

📝 Exam Tip: If asked about the impact of railroads, explain both positive (economic growth) and negative (crime, Native displacement) effects.

Paper 2: Superpower Relations and the Cold War, 1941–91 – Predicted Topics & Revision Guide

The Cold War (1941–91) was a period of intense rivalry between the USA and the Soviet Union (USSR), shaping global politics for nearly 50 years. It was marked by conflicts, nuclear threats, and shifting alliances, making it one of the most dramatic and complex topics in Edexcel GCSE History.

With so many key events to cover, smart revision is essential. Our 2025 predicted topics focus on the areas we think are most likely to come up, helping you revise effectively and feel confident in your exam

🇭🇺 The Hungarian Uprising (1956)

• Background: After Stalin’s death (1953), there was hope for more freedom in Eastern Europe.

• Cause: Hungarians resented Soviet control and protested against poor living conditions and lack of political freedom.

• Events:

  • October 1956 – Hungarian students protested, demanding free elections and withdrawal from the Warsaw Pact.

  • Imre Nagy became leader and announced Hungary’s withdrawal from the Soviet sphere.

  • November 1956 – The USSR sent tanks and troops to crush the uprising. Thousands were killed, and Nagy was executed.

• Consequence: The West did nothing to help Hungary, showing that the USA would not risk nuclear war to support revolts in Eastern Europe.

🔍 Why is this important?

• Proved that Khrushchev (Soviet leader) would not allow Eastern European countries to leave Soviet control.

• Showed the limits of US influence – despite supporting democracy, the USA didn’t intervene.

📝 Exam Tip: If asked about the Hungarian Uprising, discuss how it strengthened Soviet control in Eastern Europe and proved that Western powers would not directly challenge Soviet authority.

📜 The Helsinki Accords (1975)

• The Helsinki Accords were agreements between 35 countries, including the USA and USSR, to improve relations between East and West.

• Key Agreements:
  1️⃣ Borders were recognised – The USSR’s control of Eastern Europe was accepted.
  2️⃣ Human rights – Both sides agreed to respect human rights, including freedom of speech and movement.
  3️⃣ Cooperation – Economic and scientific collaboration between the USA and USSR.

🔍 Why is this important?

• The USA and USSR appeared to be working together, reducing Cold War tensions.

• However, the USSR ignored human rights agreements, leading to continued mistrust between the superpowers.

📝 Exam Tip: If asked about détente (the easing of tensions), mention the Helsinki Accords as an example of an attempt to improve relations that ultimately failed.

✈️ The Berlin Crisis of 1948–49 (Berlin Blockade and Airlift)

• After WWII, Germany was divided into West Germany (controlled by the USA, Britain, and France) and East Germany (controlled by the USSR).

• Causes of the Berlin Blockade:

  • The West introduced a new currency, the Deutsche Mark, in West Berlin.

  • Stalin feared a strong, unified West Germany and wanted to force the Allies out of Berlin.

• Events:

  • June 1948 – Stalin blocked all road and rail access to West Berlin, cutting off supplies.

  • The Berlin Airlift (June 1948–May 1949) – The West responded by flying in food, fuel, and medical supplies for nearly a year.

  • May 1949 – Stalin lifted the blockade, realising it had failed.

🔍 Why is this important?

• The first major Cold War conflict, increasing tensions between the USA and USSR.

• Led to the formation of NATO (1949), a military alliance against the USSR.

📝 Exam Tip: If asked about why the USA and USSR became rivals, mention the Berlin Blockade as one of the first direct confrontations of the Cold War.

☢️ The Significance of the Cuban Missile Crisis (1962)

• Cause: The USA discovered Soviet nuclear missiles in Cuba, just 90 miles from the US coast.

• Crisis:

  • The USA imposed a naval blockade, stopping Soviet ships from delivering more missiles.

  • For 13 days, the world was on the brink of nuclear war.

  • A secret deal was made:

    • The USSR removed missiles from Cuba.

    • The USA secretly agreed to remove missiles from Turkey.

🔍 Why is this important?

• Closest the Cold War came to nuclear war – it forced both sides to reconsider their actions.

• Led to the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (1963) and a direct hotline between the White House and Kremlin to improve communication.

📝 Exam Tip: If asked about the impact of the Cuban Missile Crisis, discuss how it led to better communication but also increased Soviet determination to match US nuclear power.

🇺🇸 The Significance of the Truman Doctrine (1947)

• The Truman Doctrine was America’s promise to stop the spread of communism.

• Why was it introduced?

  • The USSR was spreading communism in Eastern Europe.

  • Greece and Turkey were at risk of a communist takeover.

• Key Policies:

  • The USA gave $400 million in aid to Greece and Turkey.

  • Led to the Marshall Plan (1948) – economic aid for Western Europe to prevent communism.

🔍 Why is this important?

• Marked the start of the Cold War – the USA officially committed to stopping Soviet expansion.

• Led to the policy of containment, which shaped US foreign policy for decades.

📝 Exam Tip: If asked about why the Cold War started, mention the Truman Doctrine as the first major anti-communist policy.

🔄 The Significance of Gorbachev’s ‘New Thinking’ (1985–91)

• In the 1980s, the USSR was struggling – its economy was weak, and relations with the USA were tense.

• Mikhail Gorbachev, leader of the USSR from 1985, introduced "New Thinking" policies:
  1️⃣ Glasnost (openness) – More freedom of speech and political discussion.
  2️⃣ Perestroika (restructuring) – Economic reforms to allow some private businesses.
  3️⃣ Reduced Cold War tensions – Gorbachev met with US President Ronald Reagan and signed nuclear disarmament treaties.

🔍 Why is this important?

• Helped bring an end to the Cold War.

• Led to the collapse of communist governments in Eastern Europe.

📝 Exam Tip: If asked about why the Cold War ended, discuss how Gorbachev’s reforms weakened Soviet control and improved relations with the USA.

Hello lovelies!

You’ve made it halfway through the term – I just feel like everything feels a little better when Spring hits! Of course though, now’s the time to keep up the momentum and make the most of the weeks ahead. With exams getting closer, revision is key to feeling confident and prepared. PLEASE don’t shy away from it, even if it’s just little bits on the bus home each day! To help keep it low-key:

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4 pm - English Language | Speech Writing

5 pm - Biology | Contraception, IVF and Embryo Screening

7 pm - History | Paper 2 Superpower relations: The origins of the Cold War, 1941-58

Wednesday

4 pm - English Literature | Witches and The Supernatural

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6pm - Geography | River processes and landforms

Us trying to bring the Spring joy…

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4 pm - Chemistry | Halogenoalkanes (1)

5 pm - Chemistry | Carboxylic acids and esters (2)

6 pm Psychology | Types of observation

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6 pm Psychology | The biological approach to explaining OCD

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7 pm - Environmental Science | Heavy metals and radiation

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4 pm Biology | Population Genetics

5 pm Biology | Transcription factors

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📚 GCSE Maths Masterclasses – Live Exam Prep & Holiday Revision Accelerator! 📚

Our Masterclasses give you the ultimate exam preparation with twice-weekly live sessions, helping you tackle the trickiest topics with expert guidance. These interactive lessons focus on key exam skills, past paper practice, and top revision strategies to boost your confidence. Plus, included in your Masterclass package is our Holiday Revision Accelerator – an intensive revision boost designed to keep you on track during the holidays, so you walk into your exams feeling fully prepared. Join us and take your revision to the next level! 🚀✨

Topics to revise…

• Number Operations and Properties:

  • Long multiplication and division.

  • Calculations with fractions, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

  • Working with percentages and ratios.

  • Understanding and applying indices and standard form.

• Algebra:

  • Simplifying expressions and expanding brackets.

  • Solving linear and quadratic equations, including factorising.

  • Manipulating algebraic fractions.

  • Working with inequalities and representing them on number lines.

• Geometry and Measures:

  • Angle facts, including those in polygons and parallel lines.

  • Properties of shapes, including congruence and similarity.

  • Circle theorems and calculations involving π, such as area and circumference.

  • Pythagoras' theorem and basic trigonometry, especially exact trigonometric values for specific angles.

• Statistics and Probability:

  • Interpreting and constructing cumulative frequency graphs, box plots, and histograms.

  • Calculating averages (mean, median, mode) and range.

  • Basic probability concepts, including the use of probability trees and tables.

• Miscellaneous:

  • Standard form calculations.

  • Estimation techniques and appropriate rounding.

  • Simplifying surds and rationalising denominators.

  • Sequences, including finding the nth term.

How to Revise Non-Calculator Topics for GCSE Maths

The non-calculator paper in GCSE Maths can be tricky because you can’t rely on your calculator to do the hard work for you. Instead, you need strong mental maths skills, a solid grasp of key concepts, and the ability to apply methods quickly and accurately. In this blog, we'll go through the best ways to revise for non-calculator topics, along with some top tips to boost your confidence before the exam!

1. Master Your Mental Maths

Without a calculator, you need to be comfortable with mental calculations. Here are some areas to focus on:
✅ Times tables – Make sure you can recall them instantly.
✅ Squares, cubes, and roots – Memorise square numbers up to at least 15² and cube numbers up to 5³.
✅ Fraction, decimal, and percentage conversions – Know that ½ = 0.5 = 50%, ⅓ = 0.333…, etc.
✅ Quick addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division – Practise doing these in your head or with written methods.

How to Revise It:

• Use apps like "Times Tables Rock Stars" or "Hit the Button" to speed up your recall.

• Challenge yourself to do quick calculations without writing anything down.

• Play mental maths games with friends or family.

2. Learn Written Calculation Methods

Since you can't rely on a calculator, make sure you're confident with:
✏️ Long multiplication (e.g., multiplying two 2-digit numbers).
✏️ Long division (especially bus stop method).
✏️ Adding and subtracting fractions (common denominators!).
✏️ Multiplying and dividing fractions (flip the second fraction when dividing!).
✏️ Working with ratios and proportions (scaling up and down).

How to Revise It:

• Step-by-step practice – Go through each method slowly at first, then speed up as you get more confident.

• Use past papers – Find questions that specifically require these methods.

• Explain it to someone else – Teaching a friend or even saying it out loud helps reinforce your learning.

3. Get Comfortable with Algebra

Algebra is a key part of the non-calculator paper, and questions often test your understanding of:
📌 Expanding brackets and factorising expressions.
📌 Solving equations, including linear and quadratic equations.
📌 Rearranging formulae.
📌 Substituting values into expressions.
📌 Sequences, including finding the nth term.

How to Revise It:

• Practise different types of questions – Don’t just stick to easy ones!

• Use algebra tiles or draw diagrams to visualise expanding and factorising.

• Check your answers by substituting values back into equations.

4. Brush Up on Geometry and Shape

Common non-calculator geometry topics include:
📐 Angles in parallel lines, triangles, and polygons.
📐 Properties of shapes, including symmetry and congruence.
📐 Area and perimeter of rectangles, circles, and compound shapes.
📐 Pythagoras’ Theorem and SOH CAH TOA (make sure you know the exact values for sin, cos, and tan at key angles).

How to Revise It:

• Use flashcards to memorise angle rules and trigonometric values.

• Draw and label diagrams to help visualise problems.

• Complete past paper questions to get used to how these topics appear in the exam.

5. Tackle Data and Probability Questions

📊 Interpreting charts and graphs (bar charts, pie charts, scatter graphs).
🎲 Basic probability (probability trees, expected outcomes).
📉 Averages (mean, median, mode, and range).

How to Revise It:

• Practise drawing and interpreting different graphs.

• Memorise key probability rules, e.g., probabilities always add up to 1.

• Make sure you understand how to find averages from frequency tables.

6. Work Through Past Papers

One of the best ways to prepare for the non-calculator exam is to practise real exam questions under timed conditions.

How to Use Past Papers Effectively:

• Start with topic-based questions – If you struggle with a specific topic, focus on questions just from that area.

• Time yourself – Try answering questions in a set time limit to improve speed.

• Mark your work carefully – Understand where you went wrong and learn from mistakes.

Top 5 Non-Calculator Revision Tips

✔ Write neatly – You don't want to lose marks due to misreading your own handwriting!
✔ Check your working – If time allows, go over your answers carefully.
✔ Estimate answers – If you're unsure, round numbers and estimate to check if your answer makes sense.
✔ Look for patterns – Some questions use similar tricks, so recognising these can help.
✔ Stay calm! – If you get stuck, move on and come back later if there's time.

By following these revision strategies, you’ll feel much more confident tackling non-calculator GCSE Maths questions. Keep practising, stay positive, and you’ll smash it! 🚀📚

💡 Need more help? Check out our video walkthroughs for GCSE Maths non-calculator papers! 🎥✨

We are excited to be making our very first set of predictions for OCR A-Level Psychology. This year, we’re expanding our support to help even more students with their revision and exam preparation –-s for all the AS and A Level OCR Psychology papers. Scroll down for all papers.

Why Our Predicted Papers Are a Game-Changer

Our predicted papers are carefully designed by experienced teachers and examiners to help you prepare effectively. Here’s why they’re an essential part of your revision:

✅ Exam-Style Questions – Structured just like your real exams to help you practise under exam conditions.
✅ Mark Schemes Included – Learn exactly how marks are awarded so you can refine your technique.
✅ Free Video Walkthroughs – Get expert guidance on how to structure high-scoring answers and avoid common mistakes.
✅ Instant Digital Delivery – Download, print, and start revising straight away!

OCR A Level Psychology Paper 1: Psychological Themes Through Core Studies

Remember to revise all topics, as these are just predictions. We don’t have any additional information or insights into the actual exams – we haven’t seen the real papers!

We know for A Level Paper 1 – Psychological Themes Through Core Studies – there are three sections in the paper – (A) Core Studies, (B) Areas, Perspectives and Debates and (C) Practical Applications and we’ll go through each of these topics in this video.

You can use the timestamps in the description to jump to the section you’re interested in or you can just sit back and listen.

Core Studies:

• Loftus and Palmer (1974): Familiarise yourself with this study on eyewitness testimony and memory reconstruction. Be ready to describe the aim, procedure, findings, and conclusion, particularly focusing on how different verb usage influenced participants' memory of car speed. Prepare to evaluate the study, discussing strengths, such as its controlled laboratory setting, and limitations, including the ecological validity and potential demand characteristics.

• Sperry (1968): Understand Sperry’s split-brain research and how it explored hemispheric lateralisation in individuals who had undergone corpus callosotomy. Make sure you can explain the aim, procedure, findings, and conclusions, especially the differences in processing between the left and right hemispheres. Be prepared to evaluate strengths like its pioneering insights into brain lateralisation and limitations like the small sample size.

• Blakemore and Cooper (1970): This study investigated the impact of visual deprivation on kittens and its effect on brain development. Be ready to describe its aim, procedure, findings, and conclusion, noting how early visual experience can shape perception. Prepare to evaluate the study’s strengths, such as its high control levels, and limitations, like ethical concerns due to the use of animals.

• Freud (1909): Understand Freud’s analysis of Little Hans as a case study to support his theory of psychosexual stages. Know the study’s aim, procedure, findings, and conclusions, focusing on Freud’s interpretation of phobias and childhood sexuality. Be ready to evaluate, discussing the study’s insights into psychoanalytic theory but also its subjectivity and issues of generalisability.

• Bandura et al. (1961): Be prepared to discuss Bandura’s Bobo doll experiment, examining observational learning and aggression. Be able to describe the study’s aim, procedure, findings, and conclusions. For evaluation, focus on strengths, such as its clear demonstration of social learning, and limitations, including potential ethical issues and lack of ecological validity.

• Lee et al. (1997): This study examined cross-cultural differences in moral evaluations of lying and truth-telling among children. Understand the aim, procedure, findings, and conclusions, especially regarding cultural differences in moral judgments. Prepare to evaluate strengths, such as its cross-cultural perspective, and limitations, like potential social desirability bias in responses.

Areas, Perspectives, and Debates:

• Behaviourist Perspective: Familiarise yourself with the behaviourist focus on observable behaviour and reinforcement principles. Be ready to discuss how this perspective has contributed to psychology through controlled experimentation and applications in therapies. Consider strengths, such as empirical support, and limitations, like its disregard for cognitive processes.

• Free Will vs Determinism: Understand this key debate, contrasting the belief that behaviour is controlled by external or internal factors (determinism) with the idea that individuals have free choice. Be prepared to discuss evidence supporting both sides and to evaluate determinism’s strengths, like predictability, and limitations, such as ethical implications for responsibility.

• Cognitive Approach: Focus on the cognitive approach’s emphasis on mental processes, such as perception, memory, and problem-solving. Be able to describe its strengths, such as scientific rigour and practical applications, and limitations, like potential reductionism and the challenges of accurately measuring mental processes.

Practical Applications:

• Grant et al. (1998): Be prepared to describe this study on the effects of context-dependent memory, which explored how matching study and test environments affects memory recall. Know the aim, procedure, findings, and conclusions, and be ready to evaluate its ecological validity, implications for real-life study practices, and limitations, such as sample size.

• Recommendations for and Evaluation of Methods for Altering Environmental Contexts to Improve Memory: Understand the practical applications of context-dependent memory research for educational and workplace settings. Be ready to discuss methods, such as creating consistent study or work environments, and evaluate their effectiveness by referencing research support and potential challenges, like practicality in varied settings.

OCR A Level Psychology Paper 3: Applied Psychology

Remember to revise all topics, as these are just predictions. We don’t have any additional information or insights into the actual exams – we haven’t seen the real papers!

We know for A Level Paper 3 – Applied Psychology – there are two sections in the paper – (A) Issues in Mental Health and  (B) Options (Child, Criminal, Environmental and Sport and Exercise!) and we’ll go through each of these topics in this video. There are questions and walkthroughs for ALL of the optional topics. We’ve not limited it to just a selection or the most popular like some revision resources do. WHICHEVER topics you have prepared for and been taught, there will be questions and support for you!  

You can use the timestamps in the description to jump to the section you’re interested in or you can just sit back and listen.

Issues in Mental Health:

• Rosenhan (1973): Ensure you can describe the aim, procedure, findings, and conclusions of this key study on the validity of psychiatric diagnoses. Focus on how Rosenhan's research revealed issues within the mental health system, specifically regarding the reliability of diagnosing mental illness. Be ready to evaluate the study, considering its strengths, such as raising awareness about psychiatric practices, and limitations, like ethical concerns and the impact on participants.

• Biochemical Explanation of Mental Illness: Understand how biochemical factors, such as neurotransmitter imbalances (e.g., serotonin and dopamine), are thought to contribute to mental health disorders like depression and schizophrenia. Be prepared to evaluate this explanation, noting its strengths, such as its empirical support and basis in scientific research, as well as its limitations, like reductionism and the complexity of mental health beyond just biochemical factors.

• Behavioural Approach: Be familiar with the behavioural explanation of mental illness, which focuses on how maladaptive behaviours can be learned through conditioning. Be ready to describe key concepts, such as classical and operant conditioning, and to evaluate the approach’s strengths, such as its practical applications in behavioural therapies, alongside limitations, like its neglect of cognitive and emotional factors.

Child Psychology:

• Gibson and Walk (1960): Make sure you can describe the aim, procedure, findings, and conclusions of the visual cliff experiment, which investigated depth perception in infants. Be ready to evaluate the study, discussing its strengths, such as its innovative design and insights into innate perception, and limitations, like ethical concerns regarding stress for infants.

• Play Strategies to Develop Perception in Young Children: Understand the practical applications of using play to enhance children’s perceptual abilities. Be prepared to discuss strategies like sensory-rich activities and problem-solving games. Evaluate these methods, considering their effectiveness in real-world settings, and address any limitations, such as variations in children's engagement levels.

Criminal Psychology:

• Hall and Player (2008): Ensure you can describe the aim, procedure, findings, and conclusions of this study on the impact of emotional context on forensic experts' decisions. Focus on how bias can affect fingerprint analysis. Be ready to evaluate the study, considering strengths like its real-world relevance and ecological validity, and limitations such as potential social desirability bias in participants' responses.

• Minimising Bias in Forensic Evidence: Understand strategies to reduce cognitive bias in forensic investigations, such as the use of blind verification procedures. Be prepared to discuss the strengths of these approaches in improving the accuracy of forensic work, as well as limitations like practical challenges in implementing these measures consistently.

Environmental Psychology:

• Ulrich (1984): Be familiar with this study on the effects of natural environments on recovery in hospital patients. Make sure you can describe the aim, procedure, findings, and conclusions, particularly the impact of views of nature on patient recovery times. Be ready to evaluate the study, discussing its strengths, such as its real-world applications in healthcare settings, and limitations, including potential confounding variables.

• Environmental Design to Improve Health and Wellbeing: Understand how aspects like green spaces, natural light, and noise reduction can promote health and wellbeing. Be prepared to discuss practical recommendations for incorporating these features into architectural design, evaluating the strengths, such as evidence-based support, and limitations like cost and feasibility.

Sport and Exercise Psychology:

• Munroe-Chandler et al. (2008): Ensure you can describe the study on the use of imagery to improve self-confidence and performance in young athletes. Focus on its aim, procedure, findings, and conclusions, particularly how mental imagery can enhance motivation and skills. Be prepared to evaluate the study, noting strengths like its direct applications in sports training and limitations, such as the challenges in measuring the effectiveness of imagery techniques.

• Methods to Motivate Athletes: Be familiar with strategies to increase motivation, such as goal setting, positive reinforcement, and imagery. Be ready to discuss how these methods can be applied to boost athletes' performance, and evaluate their effectiveness, considering factors like individual differences and the importance of tailored approaches.

OCR AS Level Psychology: Psychological Themes Through Core Studies

Remember to revise all topics, as these are just predictions. We don’t have any additional information or insights into the actual exams – we haven’t seen the real papers!

We know for AS Level Paper 2 – Psychological Themes Through Core Studies – there are three sections in the paper – (A) Core Studies, (B) Areas, Perspectives and Debates and (C) Practical Applications and we’ll go through each of these topics in this video.

You can use the timestamps in the description to jump to the section you’re interested in or you can just sit back and listen.

Core Studies:

• Milgram (1963): Make sure you can describe the aim, procedure, findings, and conclusion of this classic study on obedience to authority. Focus on how participants were willing to administer shocks under instructions, even when they believed it was causing harm. Be ready to evaluate the study, considering its strengths, such as its insights into human behaviour, and limitations like ethical concerns regarding deception and psychological harm.

• Bocchiaro et al. (2012): Ensure you can describe the aim, procedure, findings, and conclusion of this study on whistleblowing and obedience. Focus on how participants were faced with the ethical dilemma of reporting unethical behaviour. Be prepared to evaluate the study’s strengths, including its ecological validity, and limitations, like potential demand characteristics due to the lab setting.

• Chaney et al. (2004): Understand the aim, procedure, findings, and conclusion of this study on the use of a funhaler to improve medical adherence in children. Be prepared to evaluate its strengths, such as its real-world application in increasing adherence, and limitations like the small sample size, which may affect generalisability.

• Sperry (1968): Be familiar with the aim, procedure, findings, and conclusions of this study on split-brain patients, exploring how the hemispheres function independently. Be ready to evaluate its strengths, like the insight into lateralisation of brain function, and limitations, such as the small, unique sample of individuals with epilepsy.

• Casey et al. (2011): Make sure you can describe the aim, procedure, findings, and conclusions of this study on delayed gratification and its impact on later life. Be prepared to evaluate its strengths, such as longitudinal design insights, alongside limitations like potential cohort effects.

• Baron-Cohen et al. (1997): Ensure you can describe the aim, procedure, findings, and conclusions of the study investigating theory of mind in individuals with autism. Focus on the 'Eyes Test' and its implications for understanding social cognition. Evaluate its strengths, such as its contribution to understanding autism, and limitations like the test's reliance on language skills.

• Grant et al. (1998): Understand the aim, procedure, findings, and conclusions of this study on context-dependent memory, particularly how study environments affect recall. Be ready to evaluate strengths like the study’s applicability to educational settings and limitations, including artificiality of lab-based tasks.

• Loftus and Palmer (1974): Focus on the aim, procedure, findings, and conclusions of this key study on eyewitness testimony and the impact of leading questions. Prepare to evaluate strengths like its influence on legal processes and limitations, such as low ecological validity due to the use of video clips rather than real-life events.

Areas, Perspectives, and Debates:

• Social Approach: Be familiar with how the social approach explains behaviour through social influence, group dynamics, and social norms. Be ready to discuss the strengths, such as providing insights into conformity and obedience, and limitations, like neglecting individual cognitive factors.

• Individual and Situational Explanations: Understand the debate between whether behaviour is driven by individual characteristics or the situation. Be prepared to provide examples from studies like Milgram (situational factors) and discuss the implications for understanding human behaviour, as well as limitations like the potential for reductionism.

• Behavioural Perspectives: Ensure you can describe key principles of the behavioural approach, such as classical and operant conditioning, and how they explain behaviour. Be ready to evaluate its strengths, like its scientific rigour and practical applications, and limitations, such as ignoring cognitive processes.

Practical Applications:

• Psychodynamic Perspective: Be prepared to describe the psychodynamic approach, particularly Freud’s theories of the unconscious, psychosexual stages, and defence mechanisms. Understand its practical applications in therapy, such as psychoanalysis, and evaluate strengths like its historical influence and limitations, such as lack of empirical evidence and potential for subjectivity.

OCR A-Level Psychology Guide

Exam Structure

OCR A-Level Psychology consists of three exam papers, each covering different areas of psychology.

Paper 1: Research Methods

• Duration: 2 hours

• Weighting: 30% of the A-Level

• Topics Covered:

  • Planning and Conducting Research – Hypotheses, variables, experimental and non-experimental methods.

  • Sampling and Ethics – How psychologists select participants and ethical considerations.

  • Types of Data and Analysis – Quantitative vs. qualitative data, descriptive statistics, and inferential tests.

  • Practical Applications – Applying research methods to real-life scenarios.

Paper 2: Psychological Themes Through Core Studies

• Duration: 2 hours

• Weighting: 35% of the A-Level

• Topics Covered:

  • Core Studies – 10 pairs of classic and contemporary studies across five areas of psychology:

    • Social Psychology (e.g., Milgram on obedience, Bocchiaro on whistleblowing).

    • Cognitive Psychology (e.g., Loftus & Palmer on eyewitness memory, Grant et al. on context-dependent memory).

    • Developmental Psychology (e.g., Bandura on social learning, Chaney et al. on operant conditioning).

    • Biological Psychology (e.g., Sperry on split-brain research, Casey et al. on delayed gratification).

    • Individual Differences (e.g., Freud’s study on Little Hans, Baron-Cohen on autism).

  • Evaluation of Studies – Comparing classic and contemporary research in terms of ethics, validity, reliability, and usefulness.

Paper 3: Applied Psychology

• Duration: 2 hours

• Weighting: 35% of the A-Level

• Topics Covered:

  • Issues in Mental Health – Historical views of mental illness, classification of disorders, explanations and treatments for disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, depression, phobias).

  • Applied Psychology – Two optional topics from:

    • Criminal Psychology – Offender profiling, explanations of criminal behaviour, crime prevention.

    • Child Psychology – Attachment, the effects of daycare, cognitive and social development.

    • Environmental Psychology – Impact of the environment on behaviour, stress, and conservation psychology.

    • Sport and Exercise Psychology – Motivation in sports, personality in athletes, performance enhancement.

Top 10 Revision Tips for OCR A-Level Psychology

1. Know the Core Studies Inside Out – Make sure you can recall aims, methods, results, and evaluations for each classic and contemporary study.

2. Master Research Methods – This comes up in all three papers, so be confident with experimental designs, ethics, and data analysis.

3. Use Past Papers – Practising real exam questions will help with timing and understanding what examiners are looking for.

4. Structure 25-Mark Essays Well – These require clear, logical arguments, supported by evidence and evaluation points. Use PEEL (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link).

5. Create Comparison Tables – Compare classic and contemporary studies to easily spot similarities and differences.

6. Use Mnemonics & Memory Aids – Techniques like acronyms or rhymes can help remember key studies and theories.

7. Apply Psychology to Real Life – Understanding how theories work in real-world contexts will make them easier to remember.

8. Use Mind Maps and Flashcards – Visual aids can help summarise key topics and improve recall.

9. Stay on Top of Terminology – Psychology has a lot of key terms; make sure you can define and apply them accurately.

10. Take Care of Yourself – Sleep, regular breaks, and staying hydrated will help you retain information and stay focused.

By following these tips and staying consistent with your revision, you'll be well-prepared for OCR A-Level Psychology! 🧠✨

Get ready to smash your OCR Gateway GCSE Biology Paper 1 with our 2025 Predicted Papers! 🧪📚

Last year, we nearly predicted EVERY single topic correctly! 🔥🎯 And this year, we’ve analysed all the trends and patterns again to bring you:

✅ Exam-style questions designed to match the real thing 📝
✅ Mark schemes so you know exactly how to score top marks ✅
✅ NEW for 2025 🎥 FREE video walkthroughs showing you how to write answers the way examiners love! 🏆

Want even MORE support? 🎯 Join our Masterclasses to get:
🌟 Access to our Revision Accelerator Course over the school holidays 🚀
🌟 Live exam prep sessions the night before your exam for that final confidence boost! 🎧📢

We’ve done the hard work, but don’t forget—revise everything to be fully prepared! 💡💪

Ready to boost your grade? Grab your predicted papers & masterclass

You’ve got this! 🌟💖

Which paper are you sitting?

• OCR Gateway | GCSE Separate Science Biology | High …

• OCR Gateway | GCSE Combined Science Biology | High …

• OCR Gateway | GCSE Combined Science Biology | Foun …

OCR Gateway | GCSE Separate Science Biology | Higher | Paper 1 | 2025 Predicted Topics & Revision Guide

Here are our 2025 predictions for OCR Gateway GCSE Separate Science Biology Higher Paper 1! 🔬✨ These topics are based on past trends, but remember—revise everything to be fully prepared! 💪📚

☀️ Photosynthesis (Including Practical Techniques)

✅ Word equation:
Carbon dioxide + Water → Glucose + Oxygen
✅ Where? – In the chloroplasts (contain chlorophyll to absorb light)
✅ Factors affecting photosynthesis:

• Light intensity – More light = More photosynthesis (up to a point)

• Carbon dioxide concentration – More CO₂ = More photosynthesis

• Temperature – Too low = Slow reaction, Too high = Enzymes denature
  ✅ Required Practical: Investigating the Effect of Light on Photosynthesis

• Use pondweed in a beaker of water

• Shine a light at different distances

• Count bubbles of oxygen produced or measure volume of gas collected

💧 Cell Transport – Diffusion & Active Transport

✅ Diffusion: Movement of molecules from high to low concentration (passive, no energy needed)
✅ Examples of Diffusion:

• Oxygen & carbon dioxide moving in and out of cells

• Glucose & amino acids absorbed in the small intestine
  ✅ Active Transport: Movement from low to high concentration (requires energy)
  ✅ Examples of Active Transport:

• Root hair cells absorbing minerals

• Glucose reabsorption in kidneys

🩸 Homeostasis (Including Blood Glucose Control)

✅ Homeostasis = Maintaining a constant internal environment
✅ Blood glucose control:

• Insulin (lowers blood sugar) – Tells liver to store glucose as glycogen

• Glucagon (raises blood sugar) – Tells liver to release stored glucose
  ✅ Diabetes:

• Type 1: Body doesn’t produce insulin (treated with injections)

• Type 2: Cells stop responding to insulin (managed with diet & exercise)

🌱 Plant Transport (Xylem, Phloem & Transpiration) Including Practical Techniques

✅ Xylem:

• Carries water & minerals up the plant (one direction)

• Made of dead cells, walls strengthened with lignin
  ✅ Phloem:

• Carries sugars & nutrients up and down the plant

• Made of living cells, has sieve plates
  ✅ Transpiration:

• The loss of water vapour from leaves through stomata

• Factors increasing transpiration:

  • Higher temperature

  • Lower humidity

  • More wind

  • Higher light intensity
    ✅ Required Practical: Investigating Transpiration

• Use a potometer to measure water uptake

• Change conditions (e.g. temperature, wind, light)

🧬 Reproduction (Including Contraception)

✅ Sexual reproduction:

• Two parents

• Offspring genetically different (variation)
  ✅ Asexual reproduction:

• One parent

• Offspring genetically identical (clones)
  ✅ Contraception Methods:

• Hormonal (Pill, implant, injection) – Stops ovulation

• Barrier (Condoms, diaphragms) – Stops sperm meeting egg

• Surgical (Sterilisation, vasectomy) – Permanent prevention

🧠 The Nervous System (Including the Brain)

✅ Pathway of a Reflex Arc:
Stimulus → Receptor → Sensory neurone → Relay neurone → Motor neurone → Effector → Response
✅ Key Parts of the Brain:

• Cerebrum: Memory, thinking, speech

• Cerebellum: Balance, coordination

• Medulla: Controls heartbeat & breathing
  ✅ How Scientists Study the Brain:

• MRI scans

• Studying brain-damaged patients

• Electrical stimulation

🚰 Structure & Function of the Kidney

✅ Main functions of the kidney:

• Filtration of blood – Removes urea, excess water & ions

• Selective reabsorption – Glucose, amino acids & needed water are reabsorbed
  ✅ Key structures:

• Nephrons – Tiny filtering units in the kidney

• Urea is removed in urine
  ✅ Kidney failure treatments:

• Dialysis: Filters blood externally

• Kidney transplant: Permanent solution but risk of rejection

💡 Final Advice & Masterclasses!

🔥 These topics are predicted, but remember—revise everything!
🔥 Practise past papers to get used to the types of questions that come up!
🔥 Need extra support? Join our Masterclasses! We’ve got revision boosters and live exam prep sessions the night before to help you feel exam-ready! 🎧📢

💙 Most importantly, look after yourself! Exam stress is real, but your grades do not define your worth. Take breaks, eat well, and believe in yourself—you’ve got this! 💪✨

👉 Get your predicted papers & masterclass spot

OCR Gateway | GCSE Combined Science Biology | Higher | Paper 1 | 2025 Predicted Topics & Revision Guide

Here are our 2025 predictions for OCR Gateway GCSE Combined Science Biology Higher Paper 1! 🔬✨ These topics are based on past trends, but remember—revise everything to be fully prepared! 💪📚

☀️ Photosynthesis (Including Practical Techniques)

✅ Word equation:
Carbon dioxide + Water → Glucose + Oxygen
✅ Where? – In the chloroplasts (contain chlorophyll to absorb light)
✅ Factors affecting photosynthesis:

• Light intensity – More light = More photosynthesis (up to a point)

• Carbon dioxide concentration – More CO₂ = More photosynthesis

• Temperature – Too low = Slow reaction, Too high = Enzymes denature
  ✅ Required Practical: Investigating the Effect of Light on Photosynthesis

• Use pondweed in a beaker of water

• Shine a light at different distances

• Count bubbles of oxygen produced or measure volume of gas collected

💧 Cell Transport – Diffusion & Active Transport

✅ Diffusion: Movement of molecules from high to low concentration (passive, no energy needed)
✅ Examples of Diffusion:

• Oxygen & carbon dioxide moving in and out of cells

• Glucose & amino acids absorbed in the small intestine
  ✅ Active Transport: Movement from low to high concentration (requires energy)
  ✅ Examples of Active Transport:

• Root hair cells absorbing minerals

• Glucose reabsorption in kidneys

🩸 Homeostasis (Including Blood Glucose Control)

✅ Homeostasis = Maintaining a constant internal environment
✅ Blood glucose control:

• Insulin (lowers blood sugar) – Tells liver to store glucose as glycogen

• Glucagon (raises blood sugar) – Tells liver to release stored glucose
  ✅ Diabetes:

• Type 1: Body doesn’t produce insulin (treated with injections)

• Type 2: Cells stop responding to insulin (managed with diet & exercise)

🌱 Plant Transport (Xylem, Phloem & Transpiration) Including Practical Techniques

✅ Xylem:

• Carries water & minerals up the plant (one direction)

• Made of dead cells, walls strengthened with lignin
  ✅ Phloem:

• Carries sugars & nutrients up and down the plant

• Made of living cells, has sieve plates
  ✅ Transpiration:

• The loss of water vapour from leaves through stomata

• Factors increasing transpiration:

  • Higher temperature

  • Lower humidity

  • More wind

  • Higher light intensity
    ✅ Required Practical: Investigating Transpiration

• Use a potometer to measure water uptake

• Change conditions (e.g. temperature, wind, light)

🧬 Reproduction (Including Contraception)

✅ Sexual reproduction:

• Two parents

• Offspring genetically different (variation)
  ✅ Asexual reproduction:

• One parent

• Offspring genetically identical (clones)
  ✅ Contraception Methods:

• Hormonal (Pill, implant, injection) – Stops ovulation

• Barrier (Condoms, diaphragms) – Stops sperm meeting egg

• Surgical (Sterilisation, vasectomy) – Permanent prevention

🧠 The Nervous System

✅ Pathway of a Reflex Arc:
Stimulus → Receptor → Sensory neurone → Relay neurone → Motor neurone → Effector → Response
✅ Key Parts of the Brain:

• Cerebrum: Memory, thinking, speech

• Cerebellum: Balance, coordination

• Medulla: Controls heartbeat & breathing
  ✅ How Scientists Study the Brain:

• MRI scans

• Studying brain-damaged patients

• Electrical stimulation

💡 Final Advice & Masterclasses!

🔥 These topics are predicted, but remember—revise everything!
🔥 Practise past papers to get used to the types of questions that come up!
🔥 Need extra support? Join our Masterclasses! We’ve got revision boosters and live exam prep sessions the night before to help you feel exam-ready! 🎧📢

💙 Most importantly, look after yourself! Exam stress is real, but your grades do not define your worth. Take breaks, eat well, and believe in yourself—you’ve got this! 💪✨

👉 Get your predicted papers & masterclass spot

OCR Gateway | GCSE Combined Science Biology | Foundation | Paper 1 | 2025 Predicted Topics & Revision Guide

Here are our 2025 predictions for OCR Gateway GCSE Combined Science Biology Foundation Paper 1! 🔬✨ These topics are based on past trends, but remember—revise everything to be fully prepared! 💪📚

☀️ Photosynthesis (Including Practical Techniques)

✅ Word equation:
Carbon dioxide + Water → Glucose + Oxygen
✅ Where does it happen? – In the chloroplasts (contain chlorophyll to absorb light)
✅ Factors affecting photosynthesis:

• Light intensity – More light = More photosynthesis (up to a point)

• Carbon dioxide concentration – More CO₂ = More photosynthesis

• Temperature – Too low = Slow reaction, Too high = Enzymes denature
  ✅ Required Practical: Investigating the Effect of Light on Photosynthesis

• Use pondweed in a beaker of water

• Shine a light at different distances

• Count bubbles of oxygen produced or measure volume of gas collected

💧 Cell Transport – Diffusion & Active Transport

✅ Diffusion: Movement of molecules from high to low concentration (passive, no energy needed)
✅ Examples of Diffusion:

• Oxygen & carbon dioxide moving in and out of cells

• Glucose & amino acids absorbed in the small intestine
  ✅ Active Transport: Movement from low to high concentration (requires energy)
  ✅ Examples of Active Transport:

• Root hair cells absorbing minerals

• Glucose reabsorption in kidneys

🩸 Homeostasis (Including Blood Glucose Control)

✅ Homeostasis = Keeping conditions inside the body stable
✅ Blood glucose control:

• Insulin (lowers blood sugar) – Tells liver to store glucose as glycogen

• Glucagon (raises blood sugar) – Tells liver to release stored glucose
  ✅ Diabetes:

• Type 1: Body doesn’t produce insulin (treated with injections)

• Type 2: Cells stop responding to insulin (managed with diet & exercise)

🌱 Plant Transport (Xylem, Phloem & Transpiration) Including Practical Techniques

✅ Xylem:

• Carries water & minerals up the plant (one direction)

• Made of dead cells, walls strengthened with lignin
  ✅ Phloem:

• Carries sugars & nutrients up and down the plant

• Made of living cells, has sieve plates
  ✅ Transpiration:

• The loss of water vapour from leaves through stomata

• Factors increasing transpiration:

  • Higher temperature

  • Lower humidity

  • More wind

  • Higher light intensity
    ✅ Required Practical: Investigating Transpiration

• Use a potometer to measure water uptake

• Change conditions (e.g. temperature, wind, light)

🧬 Reproduction (Including Contraception)

✅ Sexual reproduction:

• Two parents

• Offspring genetically different (variation)
  ✅ Asexual reproduction:

• One parent

• Offspring genetically identical (clones)
  ✅ Contraception Methods:

• Hormonal (Pill, implant, injection) – Stops ovulation

• Barrier (Condoms, diaphragms) – Stops sperm meeting egg

• Surgical (Sterilisation, vasectomy) – Permanent prevention

💙 Your Mental Health Matters 💙

Exams are important, but they do not define you. Your hard work, kindness, and resilience mean so much more than any grade ever could. 🌟

It’s okay to feel stressed, but remember to:
🧘‍♂️ Take breaks – your brain needs rest to work at its best!
💤 Get enough sleep – a well-rested mind learns better.
🍏 Eat well & stay hydrated – fuel your body and brain.
💬 Talk to someone – you’re never alone, and support is always there.

Believe in yourself—you are capable, strong, and more than enough! 💪✨ No matter what happens, you are valued and worthy just as you are. 💖

We know how important it is to feel prepared for your exams, which is why we’ve carefully analysed past trends and patterns to create our AQA GCSE Synergy 2025 Predicted Papers 📚✨

This year, we’re including video walkthroughs for FREE! 🎥🙌 Alongside the question papers and exam-style mark schemes, these walkthroughs will show you exactly how to interpret questions and structure your answers the way examiners expect—helping you maximise your marks! ✅

While our predictions are based on careful analysis, remember to revise everything to be fully prepared for your exam! 💪

You’ve got this! 🌟

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Paper 1 Life and Environmental Sciences | 2025 Predicted Topics & Revision Guide AQA Synergy | GCSE Science

Here are our 2025 predictions for AQA Synergy GCSE Combined Science Higher Paper 1! 🔬✨ These are key topics we think might come up, so make sure you’re confident with them! But remember—revise everything to be fully prepared! 💪📚

🦠 Cells (Including Differences Between Animal & Plant Cells, Organelles & Specialised Cells)

✅ Animal vs. Plant Cells:

• Plant cells have a cell wall, chloroplasts, and a permanent vacuole (animal cells don’t!)
  ✅ Functions of Key Organelles:

• Nucleus – controls the cell, contains DNA

• Mitochondria – where respiration happens, releases energy

• Ribosomes – make proteins

• Chloroplasts – contain chlorophyll, absorb light for photosynthesis
  ✅ Specialised Cells:

• Sperm cell – tail for movement, lots of mitochondria for energy

• Nerve cell – long and branched for fast signal transmission

• Root hair cell – large surface area for water absorption

❤️ Human Circulatory System

✅ Main Components:

• Heart – pumps blood around the body

• Blood vessels:

  • Arteries – carry oxygenated blood away from the heart (thick walls)

  • Veins – carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart (valves prevent backflow)

  • Capillaries – thin walls for gas exchange
    ✅ Blood Components & Their Functions:

• Red blood cells – carry oxygen using haemoglobin

• White blood cells – fight infection

• Platelets – help with blood clotting

• Plasma – carries nutrients, hormones, and waste

🌡️ Solids, Liquids, & Gases

✅ Particle Model:

• Solids – particles are close together, vibrate in place

• Liquids – particles can move past each other, take the shape of the container

• Gases – particles move quickly and freely
  ✅ Changes of State:

• Melting, freezing, evaporation, condensation, sublimation
  ✅ Density Formula:
  Density = Mass ÷ Volume

🦠 Cancer & Non-Communicable Diseases

✅ Cancer:

• Caused by uncontrolled cell growth and division

• Benign tumours – don’t spread

• Malignant tumours – can spread (cancerous)
  ✅ Risk Factors for Non-Communicable Diseases:

• Smoking – lung cancer, heart disease

• Obesity – type 2 diabetes, heart disease

• Alcohol – liver disease

🌈 The Electromagnetic Spectrum

✅ Order (Longest to Shortest Wavelength):
Radio → Microwave → Infrared → Visible → Ultraviolet → X-ray → Gamma
✅ Uses:

• Radio waves – communication

• Microwaves – cooking, satellite signals

• Infrared – remote controls, thermal imaging

• Ultraviolet (UV) – sunbeds, sterilising water

• X-rays – medical imaging

• Gamma rays – cancer treatment

🌍 Earth’s Atmosphere

✅ Composition:

• 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, 1% other gases (including CO₂ & argon)
  ✅ Changes Over Time:

• Early atmosphere: lots of CO₂, no oxygen

• Plants photosynthesised → oxygen levels increased, CO₂ decreased

• Carbon dioxide locked into fossil fuels, oceans, and rocks

🩸 Hormones in the Menstrual Cycle

✅ Key Hormones:

• FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone): Matures the egg in the ovary

• LH (Luteinising Hormone): Triggers ovulation (egg release)

• Oestrogen & Progesterone: Control the cycle & maintain uterus lining

🛑 Contraception

✅ Hormonal Methods:

• Pill, implant, injection – stop ovulation

• IUD (coil) – prevents fertilisation
  ✅ Barrier Methods:

• Condoms, diaphragms – prevent sperm reaching the egg
  ✅ Surgical Methods:

• Sterilisation – permanent

⚛️ Structure of the Atom

✅ Key Parts of the Atom:

• Protons (+) in the nucleus

• Neutrons (0) in the nucleus

• Electrons (-) in shells around the nucleus
  ✅ Atomic Number & Mass Number:

• Atomic number = Number of protons (same as electrons!)

• Mass number = Protons + Neutrons
  ✅ Electron Shells:

• 1st shell = 2 electrons

• 2nd shell = 8 electrons

• 3rd shell = 8 electrons

⚡ Reflex Arc

✅ A fast, automatic response to protect the body
✅ Pathway:
Stimulus → Receptor → Sensory neurone → Relay neurone → Motor neurone → Effector → Response
✅ Example: Pulling your hand away from something hot

💡 Final Advice & Masterclasses!

🔥 These topics are predicted, but remember—revise everything!
🔥 Practise past papers to get used to the types of questions that come up!
🔥 Need extra support? Join our Masterclasses! We’ve got revision boosters and live exam prep sessions the night before to help you feel exam-ready! 🎧📢

💙 Most importantly, look after yourself! Exam stress is real, but your grades do not define your worth. Take breaks, eat well, and believe in yourself—you’ve got this! 💪✨

👉 Get your predicted papers & masterclass spot here

Paper 2 Life and Environmental Sciences | 2025 Predicted Topics & Revision Guide AQA Synergy | GCSE Science

Here are our 2025 predictions for AQA Synergy GCSE Combined Science Higher Paper 2! 🔬✨ These are key topics we think might come up, so make sure you’re confident with them! But remember—revise everything to be fully prepared! 💪📚

🩸 Blood Cells

✅ Types of blood cells and their functions:

• Red blood cells – carry oxygen using haemoglobin, no nucleus for more space

• White blood cells – fight infection (some engulf pathogens, others produce antibodies)

• Platelets – help blood clot to prevent bleeding

• Plasma – carries nutrients, hormones, and waste (like CO₂ and urea)

🛑 Movement of Substances Into & Out of the Blood

✅ Three key processes:

• Diffusion – movement of molecules from high to low concentration (e.g. oxygen & carbon dioxide in the lungs)

• Osmosis – movement of water from high to low water concentration across a semi-permeable membrane

• Active transport – movement against the concentration gradient (e.g. absorbing glucose in the small intestine, minerals in plant roots)

💧 Osmosis Practical

✅ Investigating osmosis in potato cells
✅ Steps:

• Cut potato into equal-sized pieces

• Place in different sugar solutions (pure water → highly concentrated)

• Measure the change in mass to see if water entered or left the cells
  ✅ Results:

• Increase in mass = water moved in (hypotonic solution)

• Decrease in mass = water moved out (hypertonic solution)
  ✅ Key controls: same temperature, time, volume of solution

🌱 Field Investigations Practical

✅ Quadrats & Transects – used to estimate population sizes and study distribution
✅ Quadrats:

• Place randomly in a field, count organisms inside

• Repeat & calculate an average for accurate results
  ✅ Transects:

• Lay out a tape measure in a line across a habitat

• Place quadrats at intervals to see how population changes

⚡ Reaction Time

✅ How to measure reaction time:

• Ruler drop test – partner drops a ruler, measure the time taken to catch it

• Computer-based tests – more accurate, removes human error
  ✅ Factors affecting reaction time:

• Caffeine (reduces reaction time)

• Tiredness & distractions (increase reaction time)

🩸 Blood Glucose

✅ Controlled by the pancreas using hormones:

• Insulin – lowers blood sugar (tells liver to store glucose as glycogen)

• Glucagon – raises blood sugar (tells liver to release glucose)
  ✅ Diabetes:

• Type 1 – body doesn’t produce insulin (treated with insulin injections)

• Type 2 – linked to obesity, cells don’t respond to insulin (managed with diet & exercise)

☀️ Photosynthesis

✅ Word equation:
Carbon dioxide + Water → Glucose + Oxygen
✅ Where? – In the chloroplasts (contains chlorophyll to absorb light)
✅ Factors affecting photosynthesis:

• Light intensity – more light = more photosynthesis (up to a point)

• Carbon dioxide concentration – more CO₂ = more photosynthesis

• Temperature – enzymes work best at optimum temperature but can denature if too hot

☢️ Radioactivity

✅ Three types of radiation:

• Alpha (α) – big, slow, stopped by paper

• Beta (β) – faster, stopped by aluminium

• Gamma (γ) – very fast, stopped by lead
  ✅ Half-life: The time it takes for half of a radioactive substance to decay
  ✅ Uses:

• Medical tracers (gamma radiation)

• Radiotherapy for cancer treatment

🧬 Inheritance

✅ Genes, Chromosomes & DNA:

• DNA contains genes, which control traits

• Alleles – different versions of a gene (dominant/recessive)
  ✅ Punnett Squares:

• Used to predict inheritance of traits

• Dominant alleles need only one copy to be expressed

• Recessive alleles need two copies to be expressed

🦠 Communicable Disease

✅ Caused by pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi, protists)
✅ Examples:

• Bacteria – Salmonella (food poisoning)

• Virus – Measles, HIV

• Fungi – Athlete’s foot

• Protists – Malaria
  ✅ How to prevent infection:

• Vaccination

• Hand washing

• Antibiotics (for bacterial infections)

Paper 3 Physical Sciences| 2025 Predicted Topics & Revision Guide AQA Synergy | GCSE Science

Here are our 2025 predictions for AQA Synergy GCSE Combined Science Higher Paper 3! 🔬✨ These are key topics we think might come up, so make sure you’re confident with them! But remember—revise everything to be fully prepared! 💪📚

⚡ Renewable & Non-Renewable Energy

✅ Renewable energy sources:

• Wind, solar, hydroelectric, geothermal, biofuels

• Never run out, better for the environment but can be unreliable (e.g. no wind = no wind power)
  ✅ Non-renewable energy sources:

• Coal, oil, natural gas, nuclear

• Reliable, but create pollution (CO₂ → global warming) and will run out
  ✅ Nuclear power: No CO₂ emissions but produces radioactive waste

🔗 Bonding & Structure

✅ Types of bonding:

• Ionic bonding – between metals & non-metals, transfers electrons (strong electrostatic forces)

• Covalent bonding – between non-metals, shares electrons (e.g. water, oxygen)

• Metallic bonding – between metals, sea of delocalised electrons (good conductors)
  ✅ Structure & Properties:

• Giant ionic – high melting points, only conduct when molten or dissolved

• Simple covalent – low melting points, don’t conduct electricity

• Giant covalent (e.g. diamond, graphite) – high melting points

🛢️ Crude Oil

✅ Mixture of hydrocarbons – mainly alkanes (CₙH₂ₙ₊₂)
✅ Fractional distillation – separates crude oil into fractions based on boiling points
✅ Smaller molecules = lower boiling points, more flammable
✅ Bigger molecules = higher boiling points, more viscous

🧪 Organic Chemistry

✅ Alkanes (CₙH₂ₙ₊₂) – single bonds, saturated
✅ Alkenes (CₙH₂ₙ) – double bonds, unsaturated
✅ Complete combustion: Hydrocarbon + Oxygen → Carbon dioxide + Water
✅ Cracking – breaking long hydrocarbons into smaller, more useful ones

🚗 Stopping Distances

✅ Stopping distance = Thinking distance + Braking distance
✅ Factors affecting thinking distance:

• Speed

• Tiredness, alcohol, drugs
  ✅ Factors affecting braking distance:

• Speed

• Road conditions (ice, rain)

• Car condition (worn brakes, tyres)

🏁 Terminal Velocity

✅ What happens when a falling object reaches terminal velocity?

• At first: Weight > Air resistance → Object accelerates

• As speed increases: Air resistance increases

• At terminal velocity: Air resistance = Weight, so object falls at a constant speed

🧪 Acids & Alkalis

✅ pH Scale:

• Acid = pH 0-6 (e.g. HCl)

• Neutral = pH 7 (pure water)

• Alkali = pH 8-14 (e.g. NaOH)
  ✅ Acid + Base → Salt + Water
  ✅ Indicators:

• Litmus: Red in acid, blue in alkali

• Universal indicator: Shows full pH range

⚡ Reactivity Series

✅ Order of reactivity (most to least):
Potassium > Sodium > Calcium > Magnesium > Aluminium > Zinc > Iron > Copper > Gold
✅ Reactions with acids:

• More reactive metals fizz more violently

• Magnesium + HCl → Magnesium chloride + Hydrogen
  ✅ Displacement reactions:

• A more reactive metal displaces a less reactive one from its compound

🌍 Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs)

✅ Used to assess the environmental impact of a product at different stages:

1. Raw material extraction – mining, drilling, energy use

2. Manufacturing & processing – pollution from factories

3. Usage – how much energy/waste it produces in use

4. Disposal – landfill, recycling, decomposition
   ✅ Sustainability considerations – can materials be reused or recycled?

📊 Velocity-Time Graphs

✅ What the gradient means:

• Steeper gradient = Greater acceleration

• Flat line = Constant speed

• Line sloping down = Deceleration
  ✅ Calculating acceleration:
  Acceleration = (Final velocity – Initial velocity) ÷ Time
  ✅ Calculating distance travelled:

• Area under the graph = distance

💎 Carbon Allotropes

✅ Different forms of carbon with different properties:

• Diamond: Hard, giant covalent, doesn’t conduct electricity

• Graphite: Layers slide, conducts electricity (delocalised electrons)

• Graphene: One layer of graphite, super strong, excellent conductor

• Fullerenes: Hollow molecules (e.g. nanotubes) used in drug delivery

Paper 4 Physical Sciences| 2025 Predicted Topics & Revision Guide AQA Synergy | GCSE Science

Here are our 2025 predictions for AQA Synergy GCSE Combined Science Higher Paper 4! 🔬✨ These topics are based on past trends, but remember—revise everything to be fully prepared! 💪📚

🔥 Combustion

✅ Complete Combustion:

• Fuel + Oxygen → Carbon dioxide + Water

• Releases energy, produces CO₂ (contributes to global warming)
  ✅ Incomplete Combustion:

• Fuel + Limited Oxygen → Carbon monoxide + Soot (carbon) + Water

• Carbon monoxide (CO) is toxic – reduces oxygen in the blood
  ✅ Fossil Fuels & Pollution:

• Burning fuels releases sulfur dioxide (acid rain) & CO₂ (climate change)

📈 Energy Profiles

✅ Exothermic vs. Endothermic:

• Exothermic: Releases heat (e.g. combustion)

• Endothermic: Absorbs heat (e.g. photosynthesis)
  ✅ Energy Profile Diagrams:

• Activation energy = Energy needed to start the reaction

• Catalysts lower activation energy → speeds up reaction

🔋 Potential Energy

✅ Stored energy due to position or condition
✅ Types of potential energy:

• Gravitational Potential Energy (GPE): Energy stored due to height

• Elastic Potential Energy: Stored in stretched or compressed objects
  ✅ GPE Formula:
  GPE = Mass × Gravity × Height

🌀 Hooke’s Law

✅ Force is proportional to extension (until elastic limit is reached)
✅ Formula:
Force (N) = Spring constant (N/m) × Extension (m)
✅ Practical:

• Add weights to a spring and measure extension

• Plot force vs. extension graph (should be a straight line)

⚡ Rates of Reactions & Catalysts

✅ Factors Affecting Rate:

• Temperature – Higher = Faster (more collisions, more energy)

• Concentration – More particles = More collisions

• Surface Area – Smaller pieces react faster

• Catalysts – Speed up reactions without being used up
  ✅ How Catalysts Work:

• Lower activation energy

• Provide an alternative reaction pathway

⚙️ Electrolysis of Aluminium

✅ Why is electrolysis needed?

• Aluminium is very reactive → cannot be extracted by reduction
  ✅ Process:

• Aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃) is melted in cryolite to lower melting point

• At cathode (-): Al³⁺ gains electrons → Aluminium metal forms

• At anode (+): O²⁻ loses electrons → Oxygen gas forms
  ✅ Problem: Oxygen reacts with carbon anode → produces CO₂, so anodes wear out

🔌 Circuits

✅ Key Circuit Components:

• Battery/Cell – Provides voltage

• Resistor – Limits current

• Variable resistor – Changes resistance
  ✅ Ohm’s Law:
  Voltage (V) = Current (A) × Resistance (Ω)
  ✅ Series vs. Parallel Circuits:

• Series: Same current, voltage shared

• Parallel: Same voltage, current splits

🧲 Electromagnets

✅ How to Make an Electromagnet Stronger:

• More coils

• Increase current

• Use an iron core
  ✅ Uses of Electromagnets:

• Electric bells

• MRI scanners

• Scrap yard magnets

⚖️ Le Chatelier’s Principle

✅ If a system in equilibrium is disturbed, it shifts to oppose the change
✅ Changing Conditions:

• Increase temperature → Shifts to endothermic side

• Increase pressure → Shifts to side with fewer gas molecules

• Increase concentration of reactants → More products form

💙 Your Mental Health Matters 💙

Exams are important, but they do not define you. Your hard work, kindness, and resilience mean so much more than any grade ever could. 🌟

It’s okay to feel stressed, but remember to:
🧘‍♂️ Take breaks – your brain needs rest to work at its best!
💤 Get enough sleep – a well-rested mind learns better.
🍏 Eat well & stay hydrated – fuel your body and brain.
💬 Talk to someone – you’re never alone, and support is always there.

Believe in yourself—you are capable, strong, and more than enough! 💪✨ No matter what happens, you are valued and worthy just as you are. 💖

Exams can be stressful, but remember that your well-being is just as important as your revision. With a balanced approach to studying, you can feel confident and calm when exam day arrives. Our 2025 Predicted Papers are designed to help you focus on the key topics while also reminding you to take care of yourself. And yes, these are just predictions—so be sure to revise all of your course material for a well-rounded preparation!

What We’ve Got for You:

📝 Realistic, Exam-Style Questions

We’ve carefully analysed past papers, examiner reports, and current trends to create predicted papers that mirror the Edexcel GCSE History format. They cover:

• Source questions, essay responses, and thematic topics—just like the real exam.
  By practising under timed conditions, you’ll improve your answer structure, learn to use evidence effectively, and develop strong arguments.

🎥 FREE Video Walkthroughs – New for 2025!

For the first time ever, our full video walkthroughs are included for FREE. These videos guide you step by step through every question, showing you:

• How to use sources effectively

• How to structure your essays for full marks

• What examiners expect to see in your answers

🔍 Test Yourself on Key Topics

Our predicted papers focus on the topics that are most likely to come up, based on past trends and examiner reports. However, remember that these are just predictions—it's essential to review your whole course to be fully prepared!

🌟 Go Into Your Exam Feeling Calm and Confident

We know exam nerves can be overwhelming. That’s why our predicted papers are designed not only to improve your revision but also to help you feel secure in your knowledge. Use them to build your confidence, and always remember to take breaks and look after your mental health. You deserve to feel good during your studies!

What’s Included?

• Question Paper – Simulating the real exam, covering all the key topics.

• Mark Scheme – Check your answers and learn from any mistakes.

• FREE Video Walkthroughs – Step-by-step explanations showing you exactly how to structure your answers for full marks!

Final Thoughts

While our predicted papers are a fantastic tool to help you focus your revision, remember they’re just predictions. For a successful exam, make sure you also study the full course content and use a variety of revision methods. Balance your hard work with plenty of breaks, exercise, and relaxation—your mental health matters, and a calm mind is key to unlocking your potential.

Stay positive, revise smart, and believe in yourself. You’ve got this!

Table of Contents

• Paper 3: Weimar and Nazi Germany, 1918–39 – Predic …

• Paper 3: The USA, 1954–75 – Predicted Topics & Rev …

Paper 3: Weimar and Nazi Germany, 1918–39 – Predicted Topics & Revision Guide

The period 1918–39 saw Germany transform from democracy to dictatorship, with the rise of the Nazi Party and Hitler’s consolidation of power. This is a key unit in Edexcel GCSE History, covering political changes, propaganda, economic struggles, and life in Nazi Germany.

With so much content to learn, strategic revision is crucial. Our 2025 predicted topics focus on the areas we think are most likely to come up, helping you revise effectively and feel confident in your exam.

🎭 Nazi Control of the Arts

The Nazis tightly controlled the arts to promote their ideology and eliminate “un-German” influences.

🔹 Key Features of Nazi Control of the Arts

🎨 Painting & Sculpture – Artists had to create realistic, heroic images of Aryan Germans. Modern art was banned as "degenerate".
🎶 Music – Jazz (seen as "black music") was banned. Traditional German composers like Beethoven were promoted.
🎭 Theatre & Film – Films were used for Nazi propaganda, e.g., Triumph of the Will (1935) glorified Hitler.
📚 Literature – Books by Jewish, communist, and liberal authors were burned in public book burnings.

🔍 Why is this important?

• Shows how the Nazis used culture to brainwash people into supporting their ideas.

• Demonstrates the extent of censorship and suppression of free expression.

📝 Exam Tip: If asked about how the Nazis controlled culture, explain how they banned modern art and foreign influences while promoting Aryan, nationalistic themes.

⚔️ The Reasons for the Munich Putsch (1923)

The Munich Putsch was Hitler’s failed attempt to overthrow the Weimar government in November 1923.

🔹 Why Did Hitler Launch the Putsch?

1️⃣ Weak Weimar Government – Many Germans hated the Weimar Republic for signing the Treaty of Versailles (1919).
2️⃣ Economic Crisis – Hyperinflation (1923) had destroyed the German economy, making people desperate for strong leadership.
3️⃣ Inspired by Mussolini – Hitler admired Mussolini’s March on Rome (1922) and believed he could do the same in Germany.
4️⃣ Support from Right-Wing Groups – Hitler thought Bavarian leaders would support him against the Weimar Republic.

🔍 Why is this important?

• The failure of the Putsch led to Hitler changing his strategy – instead of using force, he would take power legally through elections.

• Hitler used his trial to gain publicity, writing Mein Kampf and spreading Nazi ideas.

📝 Exam Tip: If asked about why Hitler attempted the Munich Putsch, explain both short-term (economic crisis, Weimar weakness) and long-term (Nazi ideology, Mussolini’s influence) causes.

📈 Reasons for Increased Support for the Nazi Party (1929–32)

Between 1929 and 1932, the Nazis went from being a small party to the most powerful in Germany.

🔹 Key Reasons for Nazi Growth:

1️⃣ The Great Depression (1929) – The Wall Street Crash led to mass unemployment (over 6 million jobless by 1932). The Weimar government failed to deal with the crisis, making people desperate.
2️⃣ Nazi Promises – The Nazis promised jobs, stability, and a strong Germany, which appealed to many Germans.
3️⃣ Propaganda & Speeches – Joseph Goebbels used rallies, posters, and radio broadcasts to spread Nazi ideas. Hitler’s speeches made him appear as Germany’s saviour.
4️⃣ Fear of Communism – Many wealthy business owners and middle-class Germans feared a communist revolution (like in Russia, 1917). The Nazis promised to destroy communism.
5️⃣ Weakness of the Weimar Republic – The government was unable to solve the economic crisis, making people lose faith in democracy.

🔍 Why is this important?

• Shows how economic crises can lead to the rise of extremist parties.

• Highlights the power of propaganda and public image in winning elections.

📝 Exam Tip: If asked about why Nazi support grew in the early 1930s, focus on the economic crisis, propaganda, and fear of communism.

💼 The Standard of Living of Workers in Nazi Germany

The Nazis claimed to improve workers' lives, but the reality was mixed.

🔹 Positive Changes for Workers:

✅ Unemployment dropped – The Nazis created millions of jobs in rearmament, construction (e.g., autobahns), and public works.
✅ Strength Through Joy (KdF) – This organisation provided cheap holidays, theatre tickets, and sports events for workers.
✅ Volkswagen Scheme – Workers were encouraged to save for a Volkswagen "People’s Car" (though most never received one).

🔹 Negative Aspects for Workers:

❌ No Trade Unions – The Nazis banned trade unions, meaning workers had no power to demand better pay or conditions.
❌ Low Wages – Wages remained low, and the cost of living increased.
❌ Strict Control – The German Labour Front (DAF) controlled workers, ensuring absolute obedience to Nazi policies.

🔍 Why is this important?

• While the Nazis reduced unemployment, workers had fewer rights and no way to challenge poor conditions.

• The KdF and propaganda made people believe life was improving, even though wages remained low.

📝 Exam Tip: If asked about living standards under the Nazis, give a balanced answer – jobs and leisure activities improved, but wages and workers’ rights were limited.

Exams can feel overwhelming, but your mental health matters just as much as your revision. Take breaks, breathe, and remind yourself that you are capable and more than a grade. Progress isn’t about perfection—it’s about doing your best, one step at a time.

To make revision less stressful, our FREE video walkthroughs guide you through how to structure essays, use sources effectively, and meet examiner expectations, so you don’t have to figure it out alone. You’ve got this, and we’re here to help! 🚀📚

Paper 3: The USA, 1954–75 – Predicted Topics & Revision Guide

The USA, 1954–75 unit explores two of the most important struggles in modern American history:
📍 The Civil Rights Movement – The fight for racial equality and justice at home.
📍 The Vietnam War – America’s controversial and costly conflict abroad.

This period was marked by landmark protests, violent resistance, changing public opinion, and major shifts in American politics.

With so much to cover, smart revision is essential. Our 2025 predicted topics focus on the areas most likely to come up, helping you revise effectively and feel confident in your exam.

This guide will break down key topics, giving you essential facts, exam tips, and strategies to help you secure top marks! 🚀

✊ The Civil Rights Campaign in Selma (1965)

🔹 What happened in Selma?

• Selma, Alabama, was chosen as the focus for a voting rights campaign because only 2% of Black residents were registered to vote, despite making up half the population.

• Civil rights activists, including Martin Luther King Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), organised peaceful marches to demand voting rights.

• "Bloody Sunday" (7 March 1965) – Protesters attempted to march from Selma to Montgomery but were violently attacked by state troopers on the Edmund Pettus Bridge.

• Media coverage of the attack shocked the nation and increased public sympathy for the Civil Rights Movement.

• In response, President Johnson pushed for the Voting Rights Act (1965), which banned racial discrimination in voting.

🔍 Why is this important?

• The Selma campaign showed how non-violent protest and media attention could pressure the government into action.

• Led directly to the Voting Rights Act (1965), one of the most significant civil rights laws.

📝 Exam Tip: If asked about why the Selma campaign was significant, explain how media attention and public outrage pressured the government to take action on voting rights.

🏫 Limited Progress in Desegregating Education (1954–58)

🔹 Background: Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

• The Supreme Court ruled that racial segregation in schools was unconstitutional.

• However, progress in desegregating schools was slow and met with fierce resistance, especially in the South.

🔹 Reasons for Limited Progress:

1️⃣ White Resistance – Many Southern states ignored the ruling and introduced "massive resistance" laws to prevent desegregation.
2️⃣ Lack of Federal Enforcement – The government was reluctant to force states to comply.
3️⃣ Violence & Intimidation – African American students who tried to attend white schools faced threats and attacks.
4️⃣ Little Rock Crisis (1957) – The Arkansas governor used National Guard troops to block Black students (the "Little Rock Nine") from entering school, forcing President Eisenhower to send federal troops to protect them.

🔍 Why is this important?

• Shows the slow pace of change despite legal victories.

• Proved that change required federal intervention, as states refused to comply voluntarily.

📝 Exam Tip: If asked about why progress in desegregation was slow, focus on white opposition, weak federal enforcement, and violent resistance.

✊✊ The Rise of the Black Power Movement (1963–68)

By the mid-1960s, many African Americans were frustrated with the slow pace of change under Martin Luther King Jr.’s non-violent approach. This led to the rise of Black Power, which promoted self-defense, racial pride, and economic empowerment.

🔹 Why Did Black Power Become More Popular?

1️⃣ Ongoing Racism & Police Brutality – Many Black Americans still faced poverty, discrimination, and violence, despite legal victories.
2️⃣ Disillusionment with Non-Violence – Some believed that peaceful protests weren’t enough, especially after MLK’s campaigns failed to improve economic conditions.
3️⃣ Influence of Malcolm X – He encouraged Black self-reliance and self-defense, appealing to those frustrated with slow progress.
4️⃣ Urban Riots & Racial Tensions – Between 1964–68, major riots erupted in cities like Los Angeles (Watts Riots, 1965) and Detroit (1967), increasing support for more militant activism.
5️⃣ Success of Black Power Groups – The Black Panther Party (founded in 1966) set up community programs (free breakfast for children, health clinics) but also confronted police brutality.

🔍 Why is this important?

• Shows how the Civil Rights Movement became more divided between non-violent activists and those advocating more direct action.

• Led to new social and economic programs for Black communities, but also increased government crackdowns on Black Power groups.

📝 Exam Tip: If asked about why Black Power gained support, mention ongoing racism, disillusionment with non-violence, and the rise of figures like Malcolm X.

🎖️ Public Support for American Involvement in Vietnam

At the start of the Vietnam War, most Americans supported U.S. involvement, but by the late 1960s, public opinion had turned against the war.

🔹 Why Did Many Americans Support the War Initially?

1️⃣ Containment of Communism – The U.S. believed in the Domino Theory (if Vietnam fell to communism, other countries in Asia would too).
2️⃣ Fear of the USSR & China – Americans saw communism as a direct threat to democracy.
3️⃣ Government Propaganda – The U.S. government promoted the war as a fight for freedom and democracy.
4️⃣ Early Military Successes – The war was initially seen as winnable, and soldiers were praised as heroes.

🔹 Why Did Public Support Decline?

❌ The Tet Offensive (1968) – A major attack by communist forces shocked Americans and proved the war wasn’t being won.
❌ TV Coverage & Graphic Footage – For the first time, Americans saw brutal images of war on TV, turning public opinion against it.
❌ High Death Toll & Draft Resistance – 58,000 U.S. soldiers died, and many young men resisted being drafted.
❌ Kent State Shooting (1970) – Protests against the war turned violent, with U.S. troops killing four students.

🔍 Why is this important?

• Shows how media coverage and military failures turned public opinion against the war.

• Proved that public support is crucial in modern warfare – even though the U.S. was militarily strong, it lost the war because of public opposition.

📝 Exam Tip: If asked about why public support for Vietnam declined, mention TV coverage, high casualties, draft resistance, and the Tet Offensive.

Your hard work is enough. Your effort matters. And most importantly, you are more than your exams. 🌿✨

It’s okay to feel stressed, but don’t let it take over—make time for breaks, fresh air, and looking after yourself. You’re not alone in this! Our FREE video walkthroughs take you through essay structures, source analysis, and exam techniques to make revision clearer and more manageable.

Stay strong, stay focused, and believe in yourself—you’re capable of amazing things! 💪📖

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I hope you’re feeling the benefits of this Spring weather like we are! It’s definitely making a difference to the soul.

Despite the sunshine, we know you’re probably feeling the pressure now: revision can feel overwhelming, but every bit of effort you put in now brings you one step closer to that feeling that you did ALL you could when you open that envelope in August! Stay focused, keep practicing, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

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• A-Level

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Monday

5 pm - Maths | Foundation - Angle facts

7 pm - Sociology | What are the links between social class and crime?

Tuesday

4 pm - English Language | Planning Using Logos, Ethos, Pathos

5 pm - Biology | Menstrual cycle hormones

7 pm - History | Paper 2 Early Elizabethan England: Elizabethan society in the Age of Exploration, 1558-88

Wednesday

4 pm - English Literature | Lady Macbeth and Womanhood

5 pm - Maths | Circle Theorems (1)

Thursday

4 pm - Chemistry | Alcohols

5 pm - Physics | Acceleration

6pm - Geography | Coastal management

A-Level

Monday

4 pm - Chemistry | Reactions of alkenes

5 pm - Chemistry | Carboxylic acids and esters (1)

6 pm Psychology | Types of data

Tuesday

4 pm - Biology | Variation and Genetic Diversity

6 pm Psychology | Biological rhythms

7 pm - Sociology | What are left and right realist solutions to crime?

Wednesday

4 pm - Maths | Algebra – the binomial expansion

5 pm - Biology | Chromosomes and Gene Linkage

7 pm - Environmental Science | Water pollution

Thursday

4 pm Biology | Adaptations and Natural Selection

5 pm Biology | Exercise and Drugs

Please check your masterclass for exact details on the sessions.

Hey 👋

Get ready to smash your Edexcel GCSE Biology Paper 1 with our 2025 Predicted Papers! 🧪📚

Last year, we nearly predicted EVERY single topic correctly! 🔥🎯 And this year, we’ve analysed all the trends and patterns again to bring you:

✅ Exam-style questions designed to match the real thing 📝
✅ Mark schemes so you know exactly how to score top marks ✅
✅ NEW for 2025 🎥 FREE video walkthroughs showing you how to write answers the way examiners love! 🏆

Want even MORE support? 🎯 Join our Masterclasses to get:
🌟 Access to our Revision Accelerator Course over the school holidays 🚀
🌟 Live exam prep sessions the night before your exam for that final confidence boost! 🎧📢

We’ve done the hard work, but don’t forget—revise everything to be fully prepared! 💡💪

Ready to boost your grade? Grab your predicted papers & masterclass spot

You’ve got this! 🌟💖

Table of Contents

• Edexcel | GCSE Separate Science Biology | Higher | …

• Edexcel | GCSE Combined Science Biology | Higher | …

• Edexcel | GCSE Combined Science Biology | Foundati …

• Edexcel | GCSE Separate Science Biology | Foundati …

Edexcel | GCSE Separate Science Biology | Higher | Paper 1 | 2025 Predicted Topics & Revision Guide

Here are our 2025 predictions for Edexcel GCSE Biology Higher Paper 1! 🔬✨ We’ve carefully analysed trends, but remember—revise everything to be fully prepared! 💡📚

🦠 Cell Structure & Specialised Cells

✅ Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic cells – key differences (nucleus, organelles)
✅ Specialised cells & adaptations:

• Sperm cell – tail for swimming, mitochondria for energy

• Nerve cell – long with branches to send signals quickly

• 
  ✅ Functions of cell organelles – nucleus, mitochondria, ribosomes, etc.

⚡ Enzymes

✅ Lock and key theory – enzyme fits perfectly with its substrate
✅ Factors affecting enzyme activity:

• Temperature & pH – too high or too low can denature enzymes

• Substrate concentration – increases rate until saturation point
  ✅ Digestive enzymes:

• Amylase → starch → glucose

• Protease → protein → amino acids

• Lipase → fats → fatty acids + glycerol

🧠 The Brain & Imaging

✅ Key parts of the brain & functions:

• Cerebrum – thinking, memory, emotions

• Cerebellum – balance and coordination

• Medulla – heartbeat and breathing
  ✅ Brain imaging techniques:

• MRI scans – detect brain damage & diseases

• CT scans – 3D images of the brain structure

🔬 Microscopy

✅ Light vs. Electron microscopes – resolution, magnification, and what they show
✅ How to calculate magnification:
Magnification = Image size ÷ Actual size
✅ How to prepare a slide – staining cells to see structures clearly

🧬 Inheritance, Sex Determination & Sex-Linkage

✅ Chromosomes:

• XX = female

• XY = male (Y chromosome determines male characteristics)
  ✅ Sex-linked conditions – some genes (e.g. for colour blindness & haemophilia) are carried on the X chromosome
  ✅ How to use Punnett squares to predict inheritance

🐶 Selective Breeding

✅ Humans choose parents with desirable traits
✅ Used for:

• Farming – high-yield crops, disease-resistant livestock

• Pets – dogs with gentle temperaments
  ✅ Risks – inbreeding causes health problems & reduces genetic variation

🧬 Cloning

✅ Types of cloning:

• Tissue culture – growing plants from a few cells

• Embryo transplants – splitting an embryo to produce clones

• Adult cell cloning – nucleus transfer (e.g. Dolly the sheep)
  ✅ Advantages & risks:

• Good for conservation & medicine

• Reduces genetic diversity

🌱 Sexual & Asexual Reproduction

✅ Sexual reproduction – genetic variation, slower process
✅ Asexual reproduction – identical offspring, fast process
✅ Examples:

• Bacteria & fungi reproduce asexually

• Plants can do both! (e.g. strawberries use runners)

🦠 Aseptic Technique Practical

✅ Why it’s important: Prevents contamination from bacteria
✅ Steps:

• Sterilise equipment (flaming inoculating loop)

• Seal Petri dish (to prevent unwanted bacteria growth)

• Incubate at 25°C (prevents harmful bacterial growth)

💊 Drug Trials

✅ Stages of drug testing:

1. Preclinical trials – tested on cells & animals

2. Clinical trials (Phase 1-3) – tested on humans

3. Double-blind trials – patients don’t know if they have the real drug or a placebo
   ✅ Why blind trials are important? – Removes bias and increases reliability

🦠 Monoclonal Antibodies

✅ How they are made:

• Fuse a B-lymphocyte (white blood cell) with a tumour cell

• Creates a hybridoma cell that produces monoclonal antibodies
  ✅ Uses of monoclonal antibodies:

• Treating cancer

• Pregnancy tests

• Detecting diseases

🦟 Malaria

✅ Caused by a protist (Plasmodium), spread by mosquitoes
✅ How to prevent malaria:

• Using mosquito nets

• Draining stagnant water

• Using antimalarial drugs

💡 Final Advice & Masterclasses!

🔥 These topics are predicted, but the exam could include anything—so revise everything!
🔥 Practise past papers and use mark schemes to learn how examiners award points!
🔥 Need extra support? Join our Masterclasses! We’ve got revision boosters and live exam prep sessions the night before to help you feel confident! 🎧📢

💙 Most importantly, look after yourself! Exams are important, but your mental health matters more. Take breaks, eat well, and remember—you are so much more than your grades! 💪✨

👉 Get your predicted papers & masterclass spot

Edexcel | GCSE Combined Science Biology | Higher | Paper 1 | 2025 Predicted Topics & Revision Guide

Here are our 2025 predictions for Edexcel GCSE Combined Science Biology Higher Paper 1! 🔬✨ These topics are likely to appear, but remember—revise everything to be fully prepared! 💪📚

🦠 Cell Structure & Specialised Cells

✅ Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells – key differences (nucleus, organelles)
✅ Specialised cells & adaptations:

• Sperm cell – tail for movement, mitochondria for energy

• Nerve cell – long with branches for fast signal transmission

• 
  ✅ Functions of organelles – nucleus (DNA), mitochondria (energy), ribosomes (protein synthesis)

⚡ Enzymes

✅ Lock and Key Theory – enzyme fits perfectly with its substrate
✅ Factors affecting enzyme activity:

• Temperature & pH – too high or too low can denature enzymes

• Substrate concentration – increases reaction rate until enzymes become saturated
  ✅ Digestive enzymes:

• Amylase → starch → glucose

• Protease → protein → amino acids

• Lipase → fats → fatty acids + glycerol

🔬 Microscopy

✅ Light vs. Electron Microscopes – resolution, magnification, and what they show
✅ How to calculate magnification:
Magnification = Image size ÷ Actual size
✅ How to prepare a slide – staining cells to see structures clearly

🧬 Inheritance & Sex Determination

✅ Chromosomes:

• XX = female

• XY = male (Y chromosome triggers male characteristics)
  ✅ Dominant vs. Recessive Alleles – dominant only needs one copy to be expressed
  ✅ Using Punnett Squares to predict inheritance of traits

🧬 Gene Therapy

✅ What is it? – Replacing faulty genes with healthy ones to treat genetic diseases
✅ Examples:

• Treating cystic fibrosis by inserting a normal CFTR gene

• Used in cancer treatment to target cancer cells
  ✅ Challenges & risks:

• Difficult to insert genes in the right place

• Expensive and still being developed

🐶 Selective Breeding

✅ Humans choose parents with desirable traits
✅ Used for:

• Farming – high-yield crops, disease-resistant livestock

• Pets – dogs with gentle temperaments
  ✅ Risks:

• Inbreeding can cause genetic disorders

• Reduced genetic variation makes species more vulnerable to disease

💊 Drug Development

✅ Stages of Drug Testing:

1. Preclinical trials – tested on cells & animals

2. Clinical trials (Phase 1-3) – tested on humans

3. Double-blind trials – some patients get the real drug, others get a placebo
   ✅ Why blind trials are important? – Removes bias and increases reliability

🦟 Malaria

✅ Caused by a protist (Plasmodium), spread by mosquitoes
✅ Symptoms: Fever, chills, headache, muscle pain
✅ How to prevent malaria:

• Using mosquito nets

• Draining stagnant water

• Using antimalarial drugs

💡 Final Advice & Masterclasses!

🔥 These topics are predicted, but the exam could include anything—so revise everything!
🔥 Practise past papers and use mark schemes to learn how examiners award points!
🔥 Need extra support? Join our Masterclasses! We’ve got revision boosters and live exam prep sessions the night before to help you feel confident! 🎧📢

💙 Most importantly, look after yourself! Exams are important, but your mental health matters more. Take breaks, eat well, and remember—you are so much more than your grades! 💪✨

👉 Get your predicted papers & masterclass spot

Edexcel | GCSE Combined Science Biology | Foundation | Paper 1 | 2025 Predicted Topics & Revision Guide

Here are our 2025 predictions for Edexcel GCSE Combined Science Biology Foundation Paper 1! 🔬✨ These are key topics we think might come up, so make sure you’re confident with them! But remember—revise everything to be fully prepared! 💪📚

🦠 Specialised Cells

✅ Cells are adapted for specific functions
✅ Examples:

• Sperm cell – has a tail to swim to the egg, lots of mitochondria for energy

• Nerve cell – long to send electrical signals quickly

• 
  ✅ Why do we need specialised cells? – Different jobs in the body require different structures

🔬 Microscopes & Magnification (Including Practical Techniques)

✅ Light vs. Electron Microscopes – electron microscopes have higher magnification and resolution
✅ Magnification formula:
Magnification = Image size ÷ Actual size
✅ Practical techniques:

• Place a thin specimen on a slide

• Add stain (e.g. iodine) to highlight structures

• Lower coverslip carefully to avoid air bubbles

🧬 DNA & Inheritance (Including Sex-Determination & Inherited Diseases)

✅ DNA carries genetic information – found in the nucleus in chromosomes
✅ Sex-determination:

• XX = female

• XY = male (Y chromosome triggers male characteristics)
  ✅ Inherited diseases:

• Cystic fibrosis – caused by a faulty recessive allele (needs two copies to be inherited)

• Polydactyly – caused by a dominant allele (only needs one copy)

🧠 The Nervous System

✅ How it works:

• Stimulus (e.g. touching something hot) is detected by a receptor

• Signal travels through sensory neurone → relay neurone → motor neurone

• Effector (e.g. muscle) responds, moving hand away
  ✅ Why are reflexes important? – They are fast and automatic to protect us from harm

🌱 Selective Breeding & Genetic Modification

✅ Selective breeding:

• Humans choose parents with desirable traits to breed together

• Used for faster-growing crops, disease-resistant animals, pets with certain features

• Risk: inbreeding can lead to health problems

✅ Genetic modification (GM):

• Changing an organism’s DNA to give it new traits

• Example: Making crops resistant to pests

• Benefits: Better yields, disease resistance

• Concerns: Ethical issues, long-term effects on the environment

💡 Final Advice & Masterclasses!

🔥 These topics are predicted, but remember—revise everything!
🔥 Practise past papers to get used to the types of questions that come up!
🔥 Need extra support? Join our Masterclasses! We’ve got revision boosters and live exam prep sessions the night before to help you feel exam-ready! 🎧📢

💙 Most importantly, look after yourself! Exam stress is real, but your grades do not define your worth. Take breaks, eat well, and believe in yourself—you’ve got this! 💪✨

👉 Get your predicted papers & masterclass spot here

Edexcel | GCSE Separate Science Biology | Foundation | Paper 1 | 2025 Predicted Topics & Revision Guide

Here are our 2025 predictions for Edexcel GCSE Separate Science Biology Foundation Paper 1! 🔬✨ We’ve carefully selected key topics, but remember—revise everything just in case! 💪📚

🦠 Specialised Cells

✅ Cells have adaptations to help them do their job
✅ Examples:

• Sperm cell – tail for swimming, lots of mitochondria for energy

• Nerve cell – long to quickly send electrical signals

• 
  ✅ Why do we need specialised cells? – Different jobs in the body require different structures

🔬 Microscopes & Magnification (Including Practical Techniques)

✅ Light vs. Electron Microscopes:

• Light microscopes – lower magnification, can view living cells

• Electron microscopes – much higher magnification, shows more detail but can only view dead specimens
  ✅ Magnification formula:
  Magnification = Image size ÷ Actual size
  ✅ Practical steps:

• Place a thin specimen on a slide

• Add stain (e.g. iodine) to highlight cell structures

• Lower the coverslip carefully to avoid air bubbles

🧬 DNA & Inheritance (Including Sex-Determination & Inherited Diseases)

✅ DNA stores genetic information – found in chromosomes in the nucleus
✅ Sex determination:

• XX = female

• XY = male (the Y chromosome determines male traits)
  ✅ Inherited diseases:

• Cystic fibrosis – caused by a recessive allele (needs two copies to be inherited)

• Polydactyly – caused by a dominant allele (only needs one copy)

🧠 The Nervous System

✅ How it works:

• Receptors detect a stimulus (e.g. touching something hot)

• Signal travels through sensory neurone → relay neurone → motor neurone

• The effector (muscle or gland) responds
  ✅ Why are reflexes important? – They are fast and automatic to protect us from harm

🌱 Selective Breeding & Genetic Modification

✅ Selective breeding:

• Humans choose parents with desirable traits

• Used for bigger crops, disease-resistant animals, friendly pets

• Risk: inbreeding can cause health problems

✅ Genetic modification (GM):

• Changing an organism’s DNA to improve it

• Example: GM crops that resist pests

• Benefits: Higher yields, disease resistance

• Concerns: Ethical issues, unknown long-term effects

🥩 Food Tests (Separate Science Only)

✅ Benedict’s test (sugars): Turns blue → brick red if sugar is present
✅ Iodine test (starch): Turns brown/orange → blue/black if starch is present
✅ Biuret test (protein): Turns blue → purple if protein is present

🌿 Plant Diseases & Aseptic Technique (Separate Science Only)

✅ Plant diseases:

• Caused by fungi, bacteria, viruses & pests

• Examples: Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), rose black spot, aphid infestations
  ✅ How to identify plant diseases:

• Discolouration, spots, stunted growth

• Using testing kits & lab analysis
  ✅ Aseptic technique practical:

• Prevents contamination of bacteria cultures

• Steps:

  • Sterilise equipment (e.g. flame the inoculating loop)

  • Seal Petri dish to prevent other bacteria from getting in

  • Incubate at 25°C (prevents growth of harmful bacteria)

💡 Final Advice & Masterclasses!

🔥 These topics are predicted, but remember—revise everything!
🔥 Practise past papers to get used to the types of questions that come up!
🔥 Need extra support? Join our Masterclasses! We’ve got revision boosters and live exam prep sessions the night before to help you feel exam-ready! 🎧📢

💙 Most importantly, look after yourself! Exams are important, but your grades do not define your worth. Take breaks, eat well, and believe in yourself—you’ve got this! 💪✨

👉 Get your predicted papers & masterclass spot

Hey 👋

Get ready to smash your AQA GCSE Biology Paper 2 with our 2025 Predicted Papers! 🧪📚

Last year, we nearly predicted EVERY single topic correctly! 🔥🎯 And this year, we’ve analysed all the trends and patterns again to bring you:

✅ Exam-style questions designed to match the real thing 📝
✅ Mark schemes so you know exactly how to score top marks ✅
✅ NEW for 2025 🎥 FREE video walkthroughs showing you how to write answers the way examiners love! 🏆

Want even MORE support? 🎯 Join our Masterclasses to get:
🌟 Access to our Revision Accelerator Course over the school holidays 🚀
🌟 Live exam prep sessions the night before your exam for that final confidence boost! 🎧📢

We’ve done the hard work, but don’t forget—revise everything to be fully prepared! 💡💪

Ready to boost your grade? Grab your predicted papers & masterclass spot

You’ve got this! 🌟💖

Which paper are you looking for?

• AQA | GCSE Separate Science Biology | Higher | Pap …

• AQA Trilogy | GCSE Combined Science Biology | High …

• AQA | GCSE Separate Science Biology | Foundation | …

• AQA Trilogy | GCSE Combined Science Biology | Foun …

AQA | GCSE Separate Science Biology | Higher | Paper 2 | 2025 Predicted Topics & Revision Guide

Here are our 2025 predictions for AQA GCSE Biology Higher Paper 2! 🔬✨ These are the topics we think are most likely to come up—so make sure you know them inside out! 💪📚

🧠 Structure and Function of the Nervous System

✅ Role of the CNS (central nervous system) – brain & spinal cord
✅ Reflex arcs – how they work and why they’re important
✅ The structure of a neurone and the role of synapses (neurotransmitters!)

🧠 The Brain

✅ Key structures – cerebrum, cerebellum, medulla, hypothalamus, pituitary gland
✅ How scientists study the brain – brain damage, electrical stimulation, MRI scans
✅ Why the brain is hard to treat (delicate, complex, not fully understood!)

🩸 Blood Glucose Control and Diabetes

✅ Role of insulin & glucagon in maintaining blood sugar levels
✅ Type 1 vs. Type 2 diabetes – causes, symptoms, and treatments
✅ Negative feedback and the role of the pancreas

🧬 Genetic Inheritance

✅ Alleles, dominant vs. recessive, genotypes & phenotypes
✅ Punnett squares – how to predict inheritance probabilities
✅ Genetic disorders – cystic fibrosis and polydactyly

🌱 Sampling Techniques (RP9 – Quadrats & Transects)

✅ Quadrats & transects – how and why we use them
✅ Random vs. systematic sampling – avoiding bias
✅ Abiotic & biotic factors affecting population size

🦠 Decay Practical (RP10)

✅ Factors affecting decay – temperature, oxygen, water, microbes
✅ Investigating milk decay – role of lipase & pH indicator
✅ Applications – composting & sewage treatment

🐶 Selective Breeding

✅ Process – choosing parents, breeding over generations
✅ Uses – crops (higher yield), animals (disease resistance, meat/milk production), pets (temperament, appearance)
✅ Risks – inbreeding, reduced genetic variation, increased health issues

🦎 Variation and Adaptation

✅ Genetic vs. environmental variation – examples of each
✅ Adaptations to environment – structural, behavioural, physiological
✅ How variation links to natural selection

🧬 Cloning

✅ Types of cloning – tissue culture, cuttings, embryo transplants, adult cell cloning
✅ Pros & cons – biodiversity loss, ethical issues, medical uses
✅ Applications – agriculture, conservation, medicine

🌳 Classification

✅ Carl Linnaeus’ classification system – kingdom, phylum, class, order, etc.
✅ Binomial naming system – Genus + species
✅ Three-domain system (Bacteria, Archaea, Eukarya)

🦴 Fossils and the Theory of Evolution

✅ What fossils are & how they form
✅ Evidence for evolution from fossil records
✅ Why some fossils are missing – decay, destruction, or never forming

🧬 Advantages and Disadvantages of Sexual and Asexual Reproduction

✅ Sexual reproduction – genetic variation, disease resistance, slower
✅ Asexual reproduction – clones, rapid reproduction, good for stable environments
✅ Examples – bacteria (binary fission), plants (runners, bulbs), fungi (spores)

🌍 Global Warming

✅ Causes – CO₂, methane, human activities
✅ Effects – rising sea levels, habitat loss, extreme weather
✅ Solutions – renewable energy, conservation, reducing carbon footprint

🍽️ Food Security

✅ Factors affecting food supply – population growth, climate change, farming practices
✅ Strategies – sustainable farming, reducing waste, GM crops (higher yield, pest resistance)

🦠 Uses of Biotechnology – Novel Food Production (Not GM!)

✅ Mycoprotein (Quorn!) – made using fungi (Fusarium), grown in fermenters
✅ Single-cell protein (SCP) – using bacteria & algae for protein-rich foods
✅ Enzymes in food production – lactase for lactose-free milk

🔥 Final Advice!

📌 These topics are predicted, but the exam could include anything from the syllabus—so revise everything!
📌 Practise past papers & mark schemes to get used to the question styles!
📌 Need extra help? Join our Masterclasses for revision sessions and live exam prep the night before! 🎧📢

You’ve got this! 💪✨

👉 Get your predicted papers & revision support here

AQA Trilogy | GCSE Combined Science Biology | Higher | Paper 2 | 2025 Predicted Topics & Revision Guide

Here are our 2025 predictions for AQA GCSE Combined Science Biology Higher Paper 2! 🔬✨ While we’ve carefully analysed trends, remember to revise everything to be fully prepared! 💡📚

⚡ Reflex Arc

✅ Automatic response – doesn’t involve the brain to keep reaction fast!
✅ Pathway: Stimulus → Receptor → Sensory neurone → Relay neurone → Motor neurone → Effector → Response
✅ Role of synapses – neurotransmitters pass the signal across gaps between neurones

🧬 Inheritance – Family Trees & Punnett Squares

✅ Dominant vs. recessive alleles – dominant only needs one copy to show
✅ How to use Punnett squares to predict genetic outcomes
✅ Family trees – spotting inherited traits & genetic disorders (e.g. polydactyly or cystic fibrosis)

🌱 Required Practical – Transect Sampling

✅ Quadrats & transects – used to measure how species are distributed in an area
✅ Abiotic factors (e.g. light, temperature, water) affect population sizes
✅ How to improve reliability: repeat, random sampling, control variables

🌿 Biotic and Abiotic Factors

✅ Biotic factors = living things affecting an ecosystem (e.g. predators, disease, food availability)
✅ Abiotic factors = non-living things affecting an ecosystem (e.g. temperature, pH, water levels)
✅ How changes in these factors affect population sizes and biodiversity

🌍 Global Warming

✅ Caused by greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, methane) trapping heat
✅ Effects: rising sea levels, extreme weather, habitat destruction
✅ Solutions: renewable energy, reducing carbon footprint, planting trees

♻️ Waste Management

✅ Pollution types – land (landfills), water (plastics), air (smoke, acid rain)
✅ How human activity affects biodiversity (e.g. deforestation, habitat destruction)
✅ Ways to reduce waste – recycling, conservation, sustainable farming

🦋 Maintaining Biodiversity

✅ Why biodiversity is important – stable ecosystems, medicine, food chains
✅ How to conserve species – breeding programmes, habitat protection, reducing deforestation
✅ Role of governments & charities in conservation efforts

🐶 Selective Breeding

✅ Used to produce desirable traits (e.g. high-yield crops, disease-resistant animals)
✅ Risks – inbreeding (health problems), reduced variation, more disease susceptibility
✅ Ethical concerns – animal welfare, reduced gene pool

🦴 Classification, Fossils, and Evolution

✅ Classification – Linnaeus’ system (Kingdom, Phylum, Class…) & three-domain system (Bacteria, Archaea, Eukarya)
✅ Fossils – evidence for evolution, how they form, why some are missing
✅ Natural selection – survival of the fittest, how species evolve over time

🩸 Contraception and Menstrual Cycle Hormones

✅ Key hormones:

• FSH – matures the egg

• LH – releases the egg (ovulation)

• Oestrogen & progesterone – control the cycle & maintain uterus lining
  ✅ Contraception types:

• Hormonal (pill, implant, injection) – stop ovulation

• Barrier (condoms, diaphragms) – prevent sperm reaching egg

• Surgical (sterilisation) – permanent prevention

💡 Final Advice & Masterclasses!

🔥 These topics are predicted, but anything from the syllabus could appear—so revise widely!
🔥 Practice past papers and learn mark schemes to see how examiners award points!
🔥 Join our Masterclasses for extra support, revision boosters, and live exam prep sessions the night before! 🎧📢

💙 Most importantly, take care of yourself! Exam stress is real, but your grades do not define you! Take breaks, sleep well, and believe in yourself—you’ve got this! 💪✨

👉 Get your predicted papers & masterclass spot here

AQA | GCSE Separate Science Biology | Foundation | Paper 2 | 2025 Predicted Topics & Revision Guide

Here are our 2025 predictions for AQA GCSE Biology Foundation Paper 2! 🔬✨ These are key topics we think might come up, so make sure you’re confident with them! But remember—revise everything just in case! 💪📚

⚡ Reflex Arc

✅ A fast, automatic response to protect the body
✅ Pathway: Stimulus → Receptor → Sensory neurone → Relay neurone → Motor neurone → Effector → Response
✅ Reflexes help to avoid injury (e.g. pulling hand away from something hot)

🧠 The Brain

✅ Controls movement, memory, emotions, and bodily functions
✅ Key parts to know:

• Cerebrum – thinking, memory, speech

• Cerebellum – balance and coordination

• Medulla – controls heartbeat and breathing
  ✅ Why brain damage is difficult to treat – delicate & complex!

🩸 Blood Glucose Control and Diabetes

✅ The pancreas controls blood sugar levels using two hormones:

• Insulin – lowers blood sugar when it’s too high

• Glucagon – raises blood sugar when it’s too low
  ✅ Diabetes:

• Type 1 – body doesn’t produce insulin (needs injections)

• Type 2 – linked to diet and lifestyle (managed with healthy eating & exercise)

🚽 Excretion

✅ The removal of waste products from the body
✅ The kidneys filter blood to remove urea, water, and salts (forming urine)
✅ The lungs remove carbon dioxide, and the skin removes sweat

🧬 Inheritance – Family Trees & Punnett Squares

✅ Dominant vs. recessive genes – dominant only needs one copy to show
✅ How to use a Punnett square to predict genetic traits
✅ Family trees help show how traits are passed through generations

🌱 Required Practical – Transect Sampling

✅ Quadrats & transects – used to measure plant and animal distribution
✅ Abiotic factors (e.g. light, temperature) affect where organisms live
✅ To make results reliable – repeat tests and take averages

🌿 Biotic and Abiotic Factors

✅ Biotic (living) factors: predators, food availability, disease
✅ Abiotic (non-living) factors: temperature, water, light, soil type
✅ Changes in these factors can increase or decrease population sizes

🌍 Global Warming

✅ Causes: too much carbon dioxide (CO₂) & methane in the atmosphere
✅ Effects: rising temperatures, melting ice, extreme weather
✅ Ways to reduce it: using less fossil fuels, planting more trees

🍽️ Food Security

✅ Challenges: growing population, climate change, overfishing
✅ Solutions:

• Sustainable farming methods

• Reducing food waste

• Improving food transport & storage

🦠 Biotechnology

✅ Using microorganisms to help in food and medicine production
✅ Examples:

• Mycoprotein (Quorn!) – made using fungi

• Bacteria used to produce insulin for diabetes treatment

🐶 Selective Breeding

✅ Choosing parents with desired traits to breed together
✅ Used for:

• Farming (cows that produce more milk)

• Pets (dogs with good temperaments)

• Crops (disease-resistant plants)
  ✅ Risks – inbreeding can cause health problems

🦴 Classification, Fossils, and Evolution

✅ Classification – grouping organisms based on similarities
✅ Fossils – evidence for evolution, show how species have changed over time
✅ Evolution – species gradually change to adapt to their environment

🧬 Theory of Evolution

✅ Charles Darwin’s theory – natural selection (survival of the fittest)
✅ Mutations cause variation, and beneficial traits get passed on
✅ Over time, this leads to new species forming

🧪 Cloning

✅ Types of cloning:

• Cuttings & tissue culture (for plants)

• Embryo transplants (for animals)

• Adult cell cloning (e.g. Dolly the sheep)
  ✅ Benefits – conservation & farming
  ✅ Risks – ethical concerns, lack of genetic variation

🧬 Sexual and Asexual Reproduction

✅ Sexual reproduction – two parents, produces variation (important for evolution!)
✅ Asexual reproduction – one parent, identical offspring (good for quick reproduction)
✅ Examples:

• Bacteria & fungi reproduce asexually

• Plants can do both (e.g. runners in strawberries)

💡 Final Advice & Masterclasses!

🔥 These topics are predicted, but remember—revise everything!
🔥 Practise past papers to get used to the types of questions that come up
🔥 Need extra support? Join our Masterclasses! We’ve got revision boosters and live exam prep the night before to help you feel ready! 🎧📢

💙 Most importantly, look after yourself! Exam stress is normal, but your grades do not define your worth. Take breaks, eat well, and believe in yourself—you’ve got this! 💪✨

👉 Get your predicted papers & masterclass spot here

AQA Trilogy | GCSE Combined Science Biology | Foundation | Paper 2 | 2025 Predicted Topics & Revision Guide

Here are our 2025 predictions for AQA GCSE Combined Science Biology Foundation Paper 2! 🔬✨ These are key topics we think might come up, so make sure you’re confident with them! But remember—revise everything to be fully prepared! 💪📚

⚡ Reflex Arc

✅ A fast, automatic response to protect the body from harm
✅ Pathway: Stimulus → Receptor → Sensory neurone → Relay neurone → Motor neurone → Effector → Response
✅ Example: Pulling your hand away from something hot

🧬 Inheritance – Family Trees & Punnett Squares

✅ Genes are passed from parents to offspring
✅ Dominant vs. recessive traits – dominant only needs one copy to show
✅ How to use Punnett squares to predict how traits are inherited
✅ Family trees show how genetic conditions are passed down

🌱 Required Practical – Transect Sampling

✅ Quadrats & transects help measure how plants & animals are spread in an area
✅ Abiotic factors (e.g. temperature, light) affect where organisms live
✅ To improve accuracy – repeat tests and take averages

🌿 Biotic and Abiotic Factors

✅ Biotic factors (living things) – predators, food supply, disease
✅ Abiotic factors (non-living) – temperature, water, soil pH, light
✅ Changes in these factors can affect population sizes

🌍 Global Warming

✅ Causes: Too much carbon dioxide & methane from cars, factories, farming
✅ Effects: Rising sea levels, extreme weather, habitat destruction
✅ Ways to reduce it: Renewable energy, recycling, planting trees

♻️ Waste Management

✅ Types of pollution:

• Land (litter, landfills)

• Water (plastic in oceans)

• Air (fumes, smoke, acid rain)
  ✅ Solutions: Recycling, reducing plastic use, better waste disposal

🦋 Maintaining Biodiversity

✅ Why it’s important: Keeps ecosystems stable, provides food & medicine
✅ Threats to biodiversity: Deforestation, climate change, pollution
✅ How to protect it: Nature reserves, reforestation, reducing waste

🐶 Selective Breeding

✅ Humans choose parents with desirable traits (e.g. faster-growing crops, high milk-yield cows)
✅ Used for: Farming, pets, disease-resistant plants
✅ Risks – inbreeding can cause health problems

🦴 Classification, Fossils, and Evolution

✅ Classification: Grouping organisms based on similarities (e.g. mammals, reptiles)
✅ Fossils: Show evidence of how species have changed over time
✅ Evolution: Natural selection – survival of the fittest leads to gradual changes in species

🩸 Contraception and Menstrual Cycle Hormones

✅ Key hormones:

• FSH – matures the egg

• LH – releases the egg (ovulation)

• Oestrogen & progesterone – control the cycle & maintain uterus lining
  ✅ Contraception methods:

• Hormonal (pill, implant, injection) – stops ovulation

• Barrier (condoms, diaphragms) – stops sperm reaching the egg

• Surgical (sterilisation) – permanent prevention

💡 Final Advice & Masterclasses!

🔥 These topics are predicted, but remember—revise everything!
🔥 Practise past papers to get used to the types of questions that come up!
🔥 Need extra support? Join our Masterclasses! We’ve got revision boosters and live exam prep sessions the night before to help you feel exam-ready! 🎧📢

💙 Most importantly, look after yourself! Exam stress is real, but your grades do not define your worth. Take breaks, eat well, and believe in yourself—you’ve got this! 💪✨

👉 Get your predicted papers & masterclass spot here