GCSE Biology (8461) - Advance information June 2022 - Exam focus and required practical activities

Sep 5, 2026

Advance information for GCSE Biology (8461) June 2022 exams outlines what will be assessed while keeping the paper format and structure unchanged. It lists major topic focus for each paper (1F, 1H, 2F, 2H) in specification order, identifies required practical activities to be assessed, and notes topics not assessed directly or through linked questions. Guidance emphasizes covering the full specification for progression and continued assessment of practical, maths, and Working Scientifically skills throughout the papers.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages5

Reading Time13 min

AccessFree to download

Focus of the June 2022 exam

Paper 1F 8461/1F

Paper 1H 8461/1H

Paper 2F 8461/2F

Paper 2H 8461/2H

Advance information June 2022 GCSE Biology (8461) Version 1.0 Because of the ongoing impacts of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, we are providing advance information on the focus of June 2022 exams to help students revise. This is the advance information for GCSE Biology (8461) . Information • The format/structure of the papers remains unchanged. • This advance information covers all examined components. • For each paper the list shows the major focus of the content of the exam. • Each paper may cover some, or all, of the content in the listed topic. • Another list shows which required practical activities will be assessed. • Topics not assessed either directly or through ‘linked’ content have also been listed. • The information is presented in specification order and not in question order. • Assessment of practical skills, maths skills, and Working Scientifically skills will occur throughout all the papers. • It is not permitted to take this advance information into the exam. Advice • It is advised that teaching and learning should still cover the entire subject content in the specification, so that students are as well prepared as possible for progression to the next stage of their education. • Topics not explicitly given in any list may appear in low tariff questions or via ‘linked’questions. Linked questions are those that bring together knowledge, skills and understanding from across the specification. • Students will still be expected to apply their knowledge to unfamiliar contexts. Focus of the June 2022 exam Paper 1F 8461/1F For this paper, the following list shows the major focus of the content of the exam: • 4.1.1 Cell structure • 4.1.3 Transport in cells • 4.2.2 Animal tissues, organs and organ systems • 4.3.1 Communicable diseases • 4.4.1 Photosynthesis Required practical activities that will be assessed: • Required practical activity 1: how a light microscope is used to observe plant cells. • Required practical activity 3: investigate the effect of a range of concentrations of salt solution on the mass of plant tissue. • Required practical activity 4: use qualitative reagents to test for a range of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. • Required practical activity 6: investigate the effect of light intensity on the rate of photosynthesis using an aquatic organism such as pondweed. Topics not assessed in this paper: • [4.1.1.4](4.1.1.4)[ ](4.1.1.4)• 4.2.1 • [4.2.2.3](4.2.2.3)[ ](4.2.2.3)• [4.2.2.7](4.2.2.7)[ ](4.2.2.7)• [4.3.1.5](4.3.1.5)[ ](4.3.1.5)• [4.4.1.3](4.4.1.3)[ ](4.4.1.3)• [4.4.2.1](4.4.2.1)[ ](4.4.2.1)• [4.4.2.2](4.4.2.2) • [4.4.2.3](4.4.2.3) Cell differentiation Principles of organisation Blood Cancer Protist diseases Uses of glucose from photosynthesis Aerobic and anaerobic respiration Response to exercise Metabolism Paper 1H 8461/1H For this paper, the following list shows the major focus of the content of the exam: • 4.1.1 Cell structure • 4.1.3 Transport in cells • 4.2.2 Animal tissues, organs and organ systems • 4.2.3 Plant tissues, organs and systems • 4.3.1 Communicable diseases • 4.3.2 Monoclonal antibodies Required practical activities that will be assessed: • Required practical activity 1: use a light microscope to observe plant cells. • Required practical activity 3: investigate the effect of a range of concentrations of salt solution on the mass of plant tissue. • Required practical activity 4: use qualitative reagents to test for a range of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. Topics not assessed in this paper: • [4.2.2.3](4.2.2.3)[ ](4.2.2.3)• [4.2.2.7](4.2.2.7)[ ](4.2.2.7)• [4.3.1.8](4.3.1.8)[ ](4.3.1.8)• [4.3.1.9](4.3.1.9) • [4.4.2.2](4.4.2.2) Blood Cancer Antibiotics and pain killers Discovery and development of drugs Response to exercise Paper 2F 8461/2F For this paper, the following list shows the major focus of the content of the exam: • 4.5.2 The human nervou

FAQs

What does the June 2022 advance information for GCSE Biology (8461) cover?

It provides advance information on the focus of the June 2022 exam papers, including major content focus by paper and which required practical activities will be assessed.

Does this document change the structure or format of the exam papers?

No. The format and structure of the papers remains unchanged.

Are topics not listed in the advance information completely excluded from the exam?

No. Topics not explicitly given may appear in low-tariff questions or through linked questions that combine knowledge, skills, and understanding across the specification.

Sep 5, 2026

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