Edexcel GCSE Biology, Higher tier exam papers and weighting (1BI0)
Guide overview All topics Sample questions Papers and weighting Look inside Questions and answers
What each Edexcel GCSE Biology, Higher tier paper assesses
Edexcel GCSE Biology (specification 1BI0) is one of the three separate sciences and is examined by two written papers of 1 hour 45 minutes and 100 marks each, worth 50% apiece. Both papers are sat at the same tier. This is the Higher tier: it carries everything on the Foundation papers plus the higher-tier content, and grades 4 to 9 are available, with a grade 3 allowed for a mark a small number of marks below the grade 4 boundary.
| Paper | Covers | Length | Marks | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Paper 1 Biology 1 |
Key Concepts in Biology Cells and Control Genetics Natural Selection and Genetic Modification Health, Disease and the Development of Medicines |
1 hour 45 minutes | 100 marks | 50% |
|
Paper 2 Biology 2 |
Key Concepts in Biology Plant Structures and Their Functions Animal Coordination, Control and Homeostasis Exchange and Transport in Animals Ecosystems and Material Cycles |
1 hour 45 minutes | 100 marks | 50% |
Every topic, and where it is examined
| Topic | Examined on | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Key Concepts in Biology | Paper 1, Paper 2 | 164 |
| Cells and Control | Paper 1 | 126 |
| Genetics | Paper 1 | 179 |
| Natural Selection and Genetic Modification | Paper 1 | 111 |
| Health, Disease and the Development of Medicines | Paper 1 | 205 |
| Plant Structures and Their Functions | Paper 2 | 138 |
| Animal Coordination, Control and Homeostasis | Paper 2 | 173 |
| Exchange and Transport in Animals | Paper 2 | 128 |
| Ecosystems and Material Cycles | Paper 2 | 162 |
Assessment details from the Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9–1) in Biology 1BI0, issue 4, March 2024. Pearson specification.
Edexcel GCSE Biology, Higher tier Active Recall Guide
1,386 questions across every paper on the specification.