WJECGCSE46 resourcesFoundation & Higher

WJEC GCSE Biology Past Papers & Mark Schemes

Download free WJEC GCSE Biology past papers, mark schemes & examiner reports. Foundation & Higher tiers. Cells, ecosystems, variation and homeostasis. 46 resources.

Papers Overview Paper Structure Key Info Key Topics Command Words Grade Boundaries Revision Tips Try AI Tutor ✦

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46 of 46 resources — page 1 of 2

Summer 2023

11 files

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GCSE Biology – Unit 2 Higher: Written: Variation, Homeostasis and Microorganisms Higher [Paper size: A4 Font size: 18] – Modified Paper – Summer 2023

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GCSE Biology – Unit 1 Foundation: Written: Cells, Organ Systems and Ecosystems Foundation – Past Paper – Summer 2023

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GCSE Biology – Unit 2 Foundation: Written: Variation, Homeostasis and Microorganisms Foundation – Past Paper – Summer 2023

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GCSE Biology – Unit 2 Foundation: Written: Variation, Homeostasis and Microorganisms Foundation – Past Paper – Summer 2023

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GCSE Biology – Unit 1 Higher: Written: Cells, Organ Systems and Ecosystems Higher – Past Paper – Summer 2023

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GCSE Biology – Unit 2 Higher: Written: Variation, Homeostasis and Microorganisms Higher – Past Paper – Summer 2023

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GCSE Biology – Unit 2 Foundation: Written: Variation, Homeostasis and Microorganisms Foundation [Paper size: A4 Font size: 18] – Modified Paper – Summer 2023

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GCSE Biology – Unit 1 Higher: Written: Cells, Organ Systems and Ecosystems Higher [Paper size: A3 Font size: 36] – Modified Paper – Summer 2023

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GCSE Biology – Unit 1 Higher: Written: Cells, Organ Systems and Ecosystems Higher [Paper size: A4 Font size: 18] – Modified Paper – Summer 2023

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GCSE Biology – Unit 2 Higher: Written: Variation, Homeostasis and Microorganisms Higher [Paper size: A3 Font size: 36] – Modified Paper – Summer 2023

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GCSE Biology – Unit 1: Written: Cells, Organ Systems and Ecosystems – Mark Scheme – Summer 2023

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Summer 2022

12 files

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GCSE Biology – Unit 2: Written: Variation, Homeostasis and Microorganisms Foundation and Higher – Mark Scheme – Summer 2022

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GCSE Biology – Unit 2 contingency: Written: Variation, Homeostasis and Microorganisms Foundation and Higher – Mark Scheme – Summer 2022

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GCSE Biology – Unit 2 Foundation: Written: Variation, Homeostasis and Microorganisms Foundation [Paper size: A3 Font size: 36] – Modified Paper – Summer 2022

Modified Paper

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📋

GCSE Biology – Unit 2 Foundation: Written: Variation, Homeostasis and Microorganisms Foundation [Paper size: A4 Font size: 18] – Modified Paper – Summer 2022

Modified Paper

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GCSE Biology – Unit 2 Higher: Written: Variation, Homeostasis and Microorganisms Higher [Paper size: A3 Font size: 36] – Modified Paper – Summer 2022

Modified Paper

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📋

GCSE Biology – Unit 2 Higher: Written: Variation, Homeostasis and Microorganisms Higher [Paper size: A4 Font size: 18] – Modified Paper – Summer 2022

Modified Paper

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GCSE Biology – Unit 1 Foundation: Written: Cells, Organ Systems and Ecosystems Foundation – Past Paper – Summer 2022

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GCSE Biology – Unit 1 Higher: Written: Cells, Organ Systems and Ecosystems Higher – Past Paper – Summer 2022

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GCSE Biology – Unit 2 Foundation: Written: Variation, Homeostasis and Microorganisms Foundation – Past Paper – Summer 2022

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GCSE Biology – Unit 2 Higher: Written: Variation, Homeostasis and Microorganisms Higher – Past Paper – Summer 2022

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GCSE Biology – Unit 2 Fcont: Written: Variation, Homeostasis and Microorganisms Foundation – Past Paper – Summer 2022

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GCSE Biology – Unit 2 Hcont: Written: Variation, Homeostasis and Microorganisms Higher – Past Paper – Summer 2022

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Summer 2019

2 files

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GCSE Biology – Unit 1 Foundation: Written: Cells, Organ Systems and Ecosystems Foundation – Past Paper – Summer 2019

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GCSE Biology – Unit 1 Higher: Written: Cells, Organ Systems and Ecosystems Higher – Past Paper – Summer 2019

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Standalone Biology in the Welsh Science Curriculum

WJEC GCSE Biology is the single-award route for students specialising in biological sciences, running alongside the combined Science (Double Award) which covers all three sciences. The qualification is assessed through two written examinations: Unit 1 (Cells, Organ Systems and Ecosystems) and Unit 2 (Variation, Homeostasis and Micro-organisms), each lasting 1 hour 45 minutes and worth 50% of the total marks. Both units are tiered: Foundation (grades G–D) and Higher (grades D–A*). The papers share some common questions but Higher tier includes more demanding material on topics like genetic engineering, hormonal control, and ecological sampling techniques. A minimum of 10% of marks across both papers assess mathematical skills in biological contexts — calculating magnification, processing data, interpreting graphs, and using standard form. Unit 1 covers cell biology (organelles, mitosis, stem cells), body systems (digestion, circulation, gas exchange, nervous system), and ecology (food webs, nutrient cycles, biodiversity). Unit 2 covers genetics and variation (DNA, inheritance, evolution, classification), homeostasis (blood glucose, temperature regulation, the kidney), and micro-organisms (pathogens, immune response, antibiotics, biotechnology). Practical skills are assessed within the written papers through questions based on specified practical activities, including microscopy, enzyme investigations, and ecological sampling. This archive of 46 resources covers Summer 2017 to Summer 2023.

Exam Paper Structure

Unit 1Calculator ✓

Cells, Organ Systems and Ecosystems

⏱ 1 hour 45 minutes🎯 marks📊 50% of grade

Cell biology and transportBody systems (digestion, circulation, gas exchange)Ecosystems and biodiversitySpecified practical activities

Unit 2Calculator ✓

Variation, Homeostasis and Micro-organisms

⏱ 1 hour 45 minutes🎯 marks📊 50% of grade

Genetics and inheritanceEvolution and classificationHomeostasisMicro-organisms and disease

Key Information

Exam Board	WJEC
Qualification	GCSE
Grading Scale	A*–G
Assessment Type	2 written papers
Tiers	Foundation (G–D) and Higher (D–A*)
Unit 1	1 hr 45 min — Cells, Organ Systems and Ecosystems (50%)
Unit 2	1 hr 45 min — Variation, Homeostasis and Micro-organisms (50%)
Maths Requirement	Minimum 10% of marks test mathematical skills
Available Sessions	Summer 2017 – Summer 2023
Total Resources	46

Key Topics in Biology

Topics you need to know

Cell structure and divisionOrgan systems and body processesEcology and ecosystemsGenetics, inheritance and evolutionHomeostasis and regulationMicro-organisms, disease and immunityPractical and mathematical skills in biology

Exam Command Words

Command word	What the examiner expects
Describe	Give an account of what happens in a process or what a structure looks like — no explanation needed
Explain	Give reasons for a biological process or observation, using scientific knowledge to say how or why
Suggest	Apply your biological knowledge to an unfamiliar context — there may be more than one valid answer
Compare	Identify similarities and differences between biological structures, processes, or organisms
Evaluate	Review evidence and make a judgement, considering strengths and weaknesses of the data or argument
Use the data	Your answer must refer to specific values, trends, or patterns from the table, graph, or chart provided

Typical Grade Boundaries

Grade	Approximate mark needed
Grade A*	72–84%
Grade A	60–71%
Grade B	48–59%
Grade C	36–47%
Grade D	25–35%

⚠️ Typical Higher tier boundaries. Actual boundaries vary by series — check WJEC website.

Diagram Labelling Precision and Applying Biological Knowledge to Unfamiliar Contexts

WJEC Biology papers frequently include 'apply your knowledge' questions where you are given an unfamiliar biological scenario and must use your understanding of underlying principles to explain it. You cannot revise specific answers to these questions — instead, make sure you deeply understand the mechanisms (how enzymes work, how osmosis functions, how natural selection operates) so you can transfer that understanding to new contexts. Diagram questions carry significant marks and demand precision. When labelling cell diagrams, use ruler-drawn label lines that point clearly to the correct structure — ambiguous lines lose marks. When drawing graphs from experimental data, ensure your axes are labelled with units, your scale is even, and you plot points accurately before drawing a line or curve of best fit. For six-mark extended response questions, WJEC uses a 'banded' mark scheme. Band 3 (5–6 marks) requires a comprehensive, logically sequenced answer that uses correct scientific terminology throughout. Before writing, spend one minute listing the key points you want to make and numbering them in logical order. Then write your answer following that sequence. This prevents the common mistake of jumping between ideas without clear logical flow. Genetics questions — Punnett squares, pedigree diagrams, and inheritance patterns — consistently challenge students. Practise these until the process is automatic: identify the alleles, write the parental genotypes, draw the Punnett square, and state the ratio and probability of each phenotype. Always define your allele letters before using them.

More WJEC GCSE Subjects

Explore other GCSE subjects from WJEC

WJEC GCSE Biology Past Papers & Mark Schemes

Download Past Papers

Summer 2023

Summer 2022

Summer 2019

Standalone Biology in the Welsh Science Curriculum

Exam Paper Structure

Key Information

Key Topics in Biology

Exam Command Words

Typical Grade Boundaries

Diagram Labelling Precision and Applying Biological Knowledge to Unfamiliar Contexts

More WJEC GCSE Subjects

Applied Science (Double Award)

Applied Science (Single Award)

Art and Design

Built Environment

Business

Chemistry

Computer Science

Design and Technology

Digital Technology

Drama

Electronics

English Language

English Literature

Film Studies

Food and Nutrition

French

Geography

Geology

German

History

Latin

Mathematics-Numeracy

Mathematics

Media Studies

Music

Physical Education (Short Course)

Physical Education

Physics

Religious Studies

Science (Double Award)

Sociology

Spanish

Welsh Language (Cymraeg Iaith)

Welsh Literature (Llenyddiaeth Gymraeg)

Welsh Second Language

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