Assessment - GCSE Biology
Assessment requirements
The Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Biology consists of two externally-assessed papers: Paper 1B and Paper 2B.
The total number of marks for this qualification is 180. The marks for the papers are not scaled. Based on the overall mark, students will be awarded a grade from 9 to 1, where 9 is the highest grade.
Overview of Assessment Structure
| Paper number | Level | Assessment information | Number of marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1B | 1/2 | Assessed through a 2-hour written examination set and marked by Pearson. The paper is weighted at 61.1% of the qualification. A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions. Assesses the content that is not in bold and does not have a 'B' reference. Questions may come from any topic area across the specification. | 110 |
| Paper 2B | 1/2 | Assessed through a 1-hour and 15-minute written examination set and marked by Pearson. The paper is weighted at 38.9% of the qualification. A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions. Assesses all the content, including content that is in bold and has a 'B' reference. Questions may come from any topic area across the specification. Bold statements cover some sub-topics in greater depth. | 70 |
Sample assessment materials
Sample papers and mark schemes can be found in the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Biology Sample Assessment Materials (SAMs) document.
Experimental skills
The best way to develop experimental skills is to embed practical investigations in teaching or theory. The development of knowledge and experimental skills can then happen together, leading to secure acquisition of both knowledge and skills.
Our practical investigations are embedded within 2: Biology content as specification points in italics. The skills developed through these and other practicals will be assessed through written examinations.
In the assessment of experimental skills, students may be tested on their ability to:
Skills assessed
- solve problems set in a practical context
- apply scientific knowledge and understanding in questions with a practical context
- devise and plan investigations, using scientific knowledge and understanding when selecting appropriate techniques
- demonstrate or describe appropriate experimental and investigative methods, including safe and skilful practical techniques
- make observations and measurements with appropriate precision, record these methodically and present them in appropriate ways
- identify independent, dependent and control variables
- use scientific knowledge and understanding to analyse and interpret data to draw conclusions from experimental activities that are consistent with the evidence
- communicate the findings from experimental activities, using appropriate technical language, relevant calculations and graphs
- assess the reliability of an experimental activity
- evaluate data and methods taking into account factors that affect accuracy and validity
Calculators
Students will be expected to have access to a suitable electronic calculator for all examination papers. Calculators that allow for the retrieval of text or formulae or QWERTY keyboards will not be allowed for use in examinations.
Assessment objectives and weightings
Availability
All components will be available for assessment from June 2019.
Assessment Objectives
| Objective | Description | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| AO1 | Knowledge and understanding of biology | 38–42% |
| AO2 | Application of knowledge and understanding, analysis and evaluation of biology | 38–42% |
| AO3 | Experimental skills, analysis and evaluation of data and methods in biology | 19–21% |
| Total | Overall weight | 100% |
Relationship of assessment objectives to units
| Unit number | AO1 | AO2 | AO3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biology Paper 1 | 23.2–25.7% | 23.2–25.7% | 11.6–12.8% |
| Biology Paper 2 | 14.8–16.3% | 14.8–16.3% | 7.4–8.2% |
| Total for International GCSE | 38–42% | 38–42% | 19–21% |