Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Biology (4BI1) - Issue 3 - Specification updates

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by Adam

Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Biology (4BI1) specification, Issue 3, sets out the qualification structure, content coverage, and assessment arrangements effective for International GCSE Biology examined from 2019. It describes two untiered linear written examinations taken in the same series, outlines assessment objectives and weightings, and defines requirements for experimental skills, calculators, and language of assessment. It also records key change areas between issues, including qualification at a glance availability and command word taxonomy updates, plus administrative guidance on entries, access arrangements, reasonable adjustments, special consideration, and malpractice.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages56

Reading Time2 h 21 min

AccessFree to download

About Pearson

Summary of Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Biology (4BI1) specification, Issue 3 changes

Qualification at a glance

Administration and general information

Appendix 5: Command word taxonomy

1 About this specification

Specification updates

Using this specification

Course introduction

Qualification aims and objectives

Supporting you in planning and implementing this qualification

Qualification at a glance

Paper overview

2 Biology content

3 Assessment information

Assessment requirements

Sample assessment materials

Experimental skills

Calculators

Assessment objectives and weightings

Relationship of assessment objectives to units

4 Administration and general information

Entries

Forbidden combinations

Access arrangements and reasonable adjustments

Special consideration and malpractice

Awarding and reporting

Student recruitment and progression

Appendices

Codes

Pearson World Class Qualification design principles

Transferable skills

Mathematical skills

Command word taxonomy

Suggested practical investigations

Glossary

International GCSE Biology (9–1) Specification Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Biology (4BI1) First teaching September 2017 First examination June 2019 Issue 3 About Pearson We are the world’s leading learning company operating in countries all around the world. We provide content, assessment and digital services to learners, educational institutions, employers, governments and other partners globally. We are committed to helping equip learners with the skills they need to enhance their employability prospects and to succeed in the changing world of work. We believe that wherever learning flourishes so do people . References to third party materials made in this specification are made in good faith. Pearson does not endorse, approve or accept responsibility for the content of materials, which may be subject to change, or any opinions expressed therein.(Materials may include textbooks, journals, magazines and other publications and websites.) All information in this specification is correct at time of publication. ISBN 978 1 446 93115 8 All the material in this publication is copyright © Pearson Education Limited 2024 Summary of Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Biology (4BI1) specification Issue 3 changes | Summary of changes made between previous issue and this current issue | Page number | | --- | --- | | Qualification at a glance
Availability of series amended to November and June | 7, 8 | | Administration and general information
Modular International GCSEs added to forbidden combinations | 31 | | Appendix 5: Command word taxonomy
“Which” added to the command word taxonomy | 46 | If you need further information on these changes or what they mean, contact us via our website at: [qualifications.pearson.com/en/support/contact-us.html](qualifications.pearson.com/en/support/contact-us.html). 1 About this specification 1 Specification updates 1 Using this specification 1 Course introduction 2 Qualification aims and objectives 3 Why choose Edexcel qualifications? 4 Why choose Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Biology? 5 Supporting you in planning and implementing this qualification 6 Qualification at a glance 7 Paper overview 7 2 Biology content 9 3 Assessment information 27 Assessment requirements 27 Sample assessment materials 28 Experimental skills 28 Calculators 28 Assessment objectives and weightings 29 Relationship of assessment objectives to units 29 4 Administration and general information 31 Entries 31 Forbidden combinations 31 Access arrangements, reasonable adjustments, special consideration and malpractice 31 Language of assessment 31 Access arrangements 32 Reasonable adjustments 32 Special consideration 32 Further information 32 Candidate malpractice 33 Staff/centre malpractice 33 Awarding and reporting 33 Student recruitment and progression 34 Prior learning and other requirements 34 Progression 34 Appendices 35 Appendix 1: Codes 37 Appendix 2: Pearson World Class Qualification design principles 39 Appendix 3: Transferable skills 41 Appendix 4: Mathematical skills 43 Appendix 5: Command word taxonomy 45 Appendix 6: Suggested practical investigations 47 Appendix 7: Glossary 49 The Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Biology is part of a suite of International GCSE qualifications offered by Pearson . This qualification is not accredited or regulated by any UK regulatory body. This specification includes the following key features. Structure: the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Biology is a linear qualification . Two written examinations must be taken in the same series at the end of the course of study. Content: relevant, engaging, up to date and of equivalent standard to Pearson’s regulated GCSE in Biology. Assessment: untiered, written examinations with questions designed to be accessible to students of all abilities. Approach: a solid basis for students wishing to

FAQs

What are the qualification structure and examination format for 4BI1 Biology Issue 3?

The specification describes a linear qualification with two written examinations taken in the same series at the end of the course. The exams are untiered and designed to be accessible to students of all abilities.

How is assessment information organized in the specification?

Assessment information covers assessment requirements, sample assessment materials, experimental skills, calculators, assessment objectives and weightings, and how objectives relate to units.

What kinds of administrative topics are included in the Issue 3 specification?

It includes entries, forbidden combinations, access arrangements, reasonable adjustments, special consideration, malpractice for candidates and staff/centres, awarding and reporting, and progression-related requirements.

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by Adam