AQA GCSE Biology — Foundation
Two 1h 45m papers covering cell biology, organisation, infection, bioenergetics, homeostasis, inheritance and ecology.
Course overview
AQA GCSE Biology (8461) at Foundation tier targets grades 1–5. Two written papers, each 1h 45m and worth 100 marks (50% each). Includes 10 required practicals — at least 15% of marks across both papers assess practical skills and application.
Paper-by-paper breakdown
Paper 1
- •Cell biology
- •Organisation
- •Infection and response
- •Bioenergetics
Paper 2
- •Homeostasis and response
- •Inheritance, variation and evolution
- •Ecology
Assessment objectives
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, techniques and procedures
Weighting: 40%
Apply knowledge and understanding to scientific contexts
Weighting: 40%
Analyse information and ideas to interpret, evaluate and develop arguments
Weighting: 20%
Tier differences
Foundation excludes some quantitative skills (e.g. magnification with standard form, certain genetic cross calculations).
Grade boundaries
June 2024: grade 4 ≈ 75/200, grade 5 ≈ 95/200.
Revision resources for this course
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