GCSE Biology Revision Where to Find Past Papers Exam Boards

GCSE Biology Revision Where to Find Past Papers Exam Boards GCSE Biology Past Papers Exam Board Information ChaptersExam Boards Offering A GCSE Biology SpecificationWhy Do Courses Undergo Changes?GCSE Biology Revision: Past PapersHistorically, Biology made up one third of a Science qualification at GCSE level, along with Chemistry and Physics. These subjects were usually taken as part of a Double or Triple Science award, which would lead to the equivalent of two or three GCSEs respectively.Now, however, students tend to study one main or 'core' Science, which they tackle academically, along with an additional Science which has a vocational focus. They are then graded individually for each, which actually makes it easier to get a good grade in your preferred scientific subject.You can find out all you need to know about Biology revision by clicking here.In addition to this change, Biology (as well as the other Sciences) has undergone some changes as a result of the qualifications reform led by the U.K. government. The main amendment is the marking scheme, which now offers pupils grades from 9-1 instead of A*-G.To find out more about the content you will cover on the newly-reformed GCSE Biology course, including a list of the topics that make up the syllabus and how the exams are structured, take a look at the other posts in our GCSE Biology series.However, if you wish to find out more specifics about the different Biology specifications on offer at this level, then keep reading to discover which exam boards offer Biology at GCSE level and how their past papers can help to put you in a great position ahead of the exams.Doing past papers is especially useful if you are new to formulating exam-style responses. By using past papers properly, you can work on improving your technique and growing in confidence. However, it is no good simply reading past paper questions or just jotting down answers haphazardly.You must train yourself to cope with the pressure of exams so make sure that you put yourself under the same conditions as you would in a real exam. If you are not sure what to expect from an examination centre, ask your teacher to provide you with some details. Below are more tips on how to benefit from past papers in your subject.How To Use Past Papers To Your AdvantageYour teacher may organise a mock exam for you, or set a classroom task which simulates an exam. Either way, the key is to stay focused and to take away the maximum from this very valuable experience. Since you may not have sat in an exam hall before, you should know that there are many rules in place to ensure that every student has a fair assessment.Pupils must arrive on time, and can only take a small number of items (including refreshments, stationery and, at times, books) into the hall with them. But, most importantly, there is strictly no talking, passing notes or any other form of communication allowed. This can be quite hard to get used to but it really is very important to respect the conditions set out by assessor.So, if you are practicing at home using past papers, don't shy away from doing them properly. Ask your family not to disturb you for the duration of the trial exam (if you consult your exam board's website, you can find out exactly how long your exam will be, although this should be clear enough on the paper you have downloaded and printed out too).Be sure to get yourself in the zone beforehand - make sure you have used your revision cards, read through your textbooks and classroom notes, have been to the toilet and only have the essentials with you like a bottle of water and some stationery.Most importantly, make sure you have switched your mobile phone off so that you are not distracted. Also, to avoid any temptation to look at your phone display during the course of the task, don't use it as your stopwatch. Look for a timer or alarm clock around the house or even ask a parent or guardian to come and alert you when your time is up.Don't let yourself get tempted into checking your mobile phone during a practice test. Photo credit: perzons eo via Visualhunt / CC BYExam-taking is not all about what you know and how well you cope under pressure though. A very important aspect of being assessed is the way you write your responses. Consulting past papers can enhance your ability to respond well and gain extra marks by teaching you what it is the examiner is looking for.Familiarise yourself with the types of questions that are commonly set and ask yourself what it is they are trying to get out of you. Furthermore, find out what can add or lose you points in the exam, as mastering this technique could be the difference in you getting one grade or another when the results are published.You can do all of this by checking out the mark scheme and examiners' notes, two very important documents that should not be ignored if you are serious about doing well in Biology.To discover GCSE or a level biology tutors in your area, visit Superprof.