International GCSE - Human Biology (9–1) - Getting Started Guide - Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Human Biology (4HB1)

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by OmBimo

International GCSE Human Biology (9–1) Getting Started Guide (Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Human Biology, 4HB1) explains the changes to content and assessment for the 2017 qualification. It outlines key qualification features, including the linear assessment structure with two untiered written examinations taken in the same series, total timing and marks, and the use of calculators. It also covers support for planning, teaching and learning resources, understanding standards via sample assessment materials, and tracking progress through ResultsPlus and examWizard.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages24

Reading Time1 h 0 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Key features of the qualification

Qualification overview

Assessment guidance

Planning

Delivery of the qualification – transferable skills

International GCSE Human Biology (9–1) Getting Started Guide Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Human Biology (4HB1) First teaching September 2017 First examination June 2019 Issue 2 Contents Introduction ................................................................................................................ 4 Key features of the qualification .............................................................................. 5 Qualification overview ............................................................................................... 7 Assessment guidance .............................................................................................. 14 Planning ..................................................................................................................... 19 Delivery of the qualification – transferable skills ................................................. 23 Through initiatives such as onscreen marking and administration, Pearson is leading the way in using technology to modernise educational assessment, and to support teachers and learners. This guide is Issue 2. We will inform centres of any changes to this issue. The latest issue can be found on the Pearson Edexcel website: [https://qualifications.pearson.com/](https://qualifications.pearson.com/) References to third-party material made in this guide are made in good faith. We do not endorse, approve or accept responsibility for the content of materials, which may be subject to change, or any opinions expressed therein. (Material may include textbooks, journals, magazines and other publications and websites.) All the material in this publication is copyright. © Pearson Education Limited 2024 Introduction This Getting Started Guide provides an overview of our International GCSE Biology (2017) qualification, to help you get to grips with the changes to content and assessment, and to help you understand what these mean for you and your learners. Our package of support to help you plan and implement the specification includes: Planning We will provide a course planner and an editable scheme of work that you can adapt to suit your department. We also provide training for international and UK-based schools. Teaching and learning To support you in delivering this new specification, we will provide suggested resource lists and suggested activities. Understanding the standard Sample Assessment Materials and Extra Assessment Materials will be provided. Tracking learner progress ResultsPlus provides the most detailed analysis available of your students’ examination performance. It can help you identify topics and skills where students could benefit from further learning. We will also offer examWizard, which is a free exam preparation tool containing a bank of past Edexcel exam questions, mark schemes and examiners’ reports for a range of GCSE and GCE subjects. Support Our subject advisor ensures that you receive help and guidance from us. You can sign up to receive updates at [https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/forms/subject-advisor-updates-for](https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/forms/subject-advisor-updates-for)teachers-andtutors. html or contact us using the support portal [https://support.pearson.com/uk/s/qualificationcontactus](https://support.pearson.com/uk/s/qualificationcontactus). Key features of the qualification Why choose Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Human Biology (2017)? We have listened to feedback from all parts of the international school, UK independent school and language teaching community including a large number of teachers. We have made changes that will engage students and give them skills that will support progression to further study in biology and a range of other subjects, in biological sciences and elsewhere. Our content and assessment approach has been designed to meet students’ needs and be consistent with our approach across the scien

FAQs

What is the purpose of this Getting Started Guide?

It provides an overview of the International GCSE Biology (2017) qualification to help educators understand the changes to content and assessment and what they mean for teachers and learners.

How is the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Human Biology (2017) assessed?

It is a linear qualification with two untiered written examinations taken in the same series at the end of the course. The model uses two papers, each 1 hour 45 minutes and accounting for 90 marks, with practical skills assessed through the written papers and no coursework or practical exam.

What support tools are offered to track learner progress?

ResultsPlus provides detailed analysis of students’ examination performance to identify topics and skills for further learning. A free exam preparation tool, examWizard, includes a bank of past Edexcel questions, mark schemes, and examiners’ reports.

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by OmBimo