Edexcel GCSE Combined Science Biology, Foundation tier exam papers and weighting (1SC0)
Guide overview All topics Sample questions Papers and weighting Look inside Questions and answers
What each Edexcel GCSE Combined Science Biology, Foundation tier paper assesses
Edexcel GCSE Combined Science (specification 1SC0) is worth two GCSEs and is examined by six papers, two for each science. The biology content is sat as Paper 1, Biology 1, and Paper 2, Biology 2, each 1 hour 10 minutes and 60 marks, together a third of the qualification. This is the Foundation tier: grades 1–1 to 5–5 on the 17-grade double-award scale are available, and the higher-tier content is not examined.
| 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 10 minutes | 60 marks | 16.67% |
|
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 10 minutes | 60 marks | 16.67% |
Every topic, and where it is examined
| Topic | Examined on | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Key Concepts in Biology | Paper 1, Paper 2 | 143 |
| Cells and Control | Paper 1 | 76 |
| Genetics | Paper 1 | 111 |
| Natural Selection and Genetic Modification | Paper 1 | 65 |
| Health, Disease and the Development of Medicines | Paper 1 | 126 |
| Plant Structures and Their Functions | Paper 2 | 91 |
| Animal Coordination, Control and Homeostasis | Paper 2 | 73 |
| Exchange and Transport in Animals | Paper 2 | 115 |
| Ecosystems and Material Cycles | Paper 2 | 104 |
Assessment details from the Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9–1) in Combined Science 1SC0, issue 6, March 2024. Pearson specification.
Every paper is covered, because the guide runs the whole specification.Get the guide, £7
Edexcel GCSE Combined Science Biology, Foundation tier Active Recall Guide
904 questions across every paper on the specification.