This is always a popular lesson with my students. Great as a revison / consolidation task.
All relevant to OCR, with the exception of the virus diagram.
14 diagrams for students to label:
Biological molecules
Bonds
Animal cell
Plant cell
Prokaryotic cell
Virus
Stages of mitosis
Antibody structure
Heart
Chloroplast
Mitochondria
Action potential graph
Sarcomere
Nephron
Download includes:
PDF with A4 sized diagrams and A4 answers for each diagram (I use this as a presentation)
Student answer sheet with 4 diagrams per A4 page.
If you don’t have time to dedicate an entire lesson to this task, you could set the A4 sized diagram file as a revision homework task or go through one diagram at random as a lesson starter.
*Now updated with improved fonts and new-style answer sheet!
My students love completing these visually appealing worksheets, which break topics down into manageable chunks. Useful as a revision exercise or as a quick assessment.
All worksheets are black and white to allow students to add colour to the diagrams, a process which is thought to aid the formation of visual memories.
Download includes fully completed version of each worksheet that can be used as a handout if you’re short of time.
Scaffolded versions of each worksheet are included plus blank versions (where appropriate) for more confident students.
If you find these worksheets useful I would really appreciate a positive review. Equally, any constructive feedback would be gratefully received and changes can be made accordingly!
I designed this 12-page A4 workbook of exam-style questions to help my students consolidate the Biological Molecules topic. Written with the AQA specification in mind, but suitable for other exam boards. Covers all the key content for Section 1 of the AQA A-level Biology specification.
I tend to give this to students to guide their revision, but it would also be a really useful activity for cover lessons.
A fully completed version of the workbook with model answers is included.
6 task stations designed as a consolidation/revision lesson for A-level Biology Photosynthesis (with an optional 7th task for AQA)
Task 1: Sort (fill in the gaps and then order the steps of the light-dependent reaction).
Task 2: Describe (6 mark question on the light-independent reaction)
Task 3: State (10 x 1 mark ‘state’ the answer questions)
Task 4: Investigate (4 part question on the DCPIP practical)
Task 5: Calculate (percentage change & ratios)
Task 6: Synoptic (4 part task linking photosynthesis, protein structure & enzymes)
Optional Task 7: Essay (choose 1 essay from a choice of 3 and write a suitable paragraph on photosynthesis that could be included in the chosen essay).
What does this resource include?
PDF containing all 7 tasks
full mark scheme for tasks 1-6 (please note there is no mark scheme included for the essay task)
student answer sheets
AQA GCSE required practical revision notes/sheets covering all 21 required practicals for Combined Science/Trilogy (higher tier).
Despite being worth 15% of the marks, so many students don’t allocate specific revision time to the required practicals. I designed these sheets for my own students to encourage specific revision of the practicals and have seen a great improvement in practical knowledge and the ability to answer practical-based questions.
Each sheet includes an example method and (where relevant) exam-style questions and model answers.
The model answers for the exam-style questions have been written based on previous mark schemes, but I cannot guarantee that future mark schemes will be exactly the same. The model answers are for guidance only. Students should be encouraged to use these sheets as a starting point and update/annotate them with any further information as needed.
Please note that I can accept no responsibility for your final exam grade should you choose to use these revision resources. These resources are intended to help students actively revise, but students should be aware that a high proportion of the marks in your exams are AO2 and AO3 marks and students should therefore use a variety of resources and techniques in preparation for all of the question styles that will be encountered in the exam. Whilst these resources have been written with past mark schemes in mind, there is no guarantee that future mark schemes will be the same.
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this resource, but I am only human, so if you spot an error, please email teachsecondaryscience@gmail.com and the resource will be updated ASAP.
Spaced repetition is so important…and even if you’re about to start Year 13, it’s not too late to start using this technique!
Grab this bundle which includes a pre-planned spaced repetition timetable for September-May of Year 13 (2024-2025) & a weekly revision timetable (choice of colours) to help you timetable your repetitions.
Using a variety of different revision methods is key to spaced repetition, so the revision flashcards in this bundle are fantastic to quickly test your knowledge during one of your repetitions! Last but not least, my hugely popular required practical revision sheets are also included!
Ultimate resource bundle for anyone revising OCR ‘A’ A-level Biology.
Includes:
1000 flashcards covering Modules 1-6
PAG revision sheets
Year 13 Spaced Repetition Timetable
Printable weekly revision timetable
The flashcards have been written based on past mark schemes to help students use the correct key terms in their answers.
PAG revision sheets cover:
PAG 1: microscopy - root tip squash
PAG 2: dissection (general practical skills/questions relevant to any dissection)
PAG 3: sampling techniques
PAG 4: rates of enzyme-controlled reactions (covers general questions on e.g. initial rate of reaction, DOES NOT cover specific enzyme practicals due to their being so many different variations).
PAG 5: 3 different practical sheets included (factors affecting membrane permeability, determining glucose concentration & potometers).
PAG 6: 2 different sheets included (electrophoresis & using chromatography to investigate plant pigments [paper chromatography method, not TLC].
PAG 7: Microbial techniques, 2 different sheets included (effect of antibiotics on bacterial growth & dilution plating to determine microbial density)
PAG 8: Calibration curve to investigate water potential
PAG 9: Qualitative tests for biological molecules
PAG 10: Data logger & computer modelling (methods not included for this PAG, just key points from previous mark schemes).
PAG 11: two sheets included (effect of exercise on heart rate & heart rate changes in Daphnia).
PAG 12: research skills (rate of respiration example used - also includes common questions on respirometers).
**SAVE OVER 45% compared to purchasing each resource separately.
Please note that I can accept no responsibility for your final exam grade should you choose to use these revision resources. These resources are intended to help students actively revise, but students should be aware that a high proportion of the marks in your exams are AO2 and AO3 marks and students should therefore use a variety of resources and techniques in preparation for all of the question styles that will be encountered in the exam. Whilst these resources have been written with past mark schemes in mind, there is no guarantee that future mark schemes will be the same.
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this resource, but I am only human, so if you spot an error, please email teachsecondaryscience@gmail.com and the resource will be updated ASAP.
Logarithm and order of magnitude worksheet for A-level Biology.
Part of a growing bundle of worksheets aimed at improving maths skill confidence for A-level Biologists.
Includes questions requiring the log10 / 10^x button and reading values from logarithmic graph paper.
30 marks in total.
Includes full mark scheme.
Great for a homework exercise to assess student’s abilities or for students to use for self-assessment.
Other maths worksheets available include:
Mixed maths/statistics question assessment booklet
Serial dilution calculation worksheet
Percentage change calculation worksheet
Hardy-Weinberg calculation worksheet
Percentage change calculation worksheet for A-level Biology.
Part of a growing bundle of worksheets aimed at improving maths skill confidence for A-level Biologists.
Includes basic percentage change calculations, plus percentage change calculations requiring interpretation of graphs and the use of standard form. 19 marks in total.
Great for a homework exercise to assess student’s abilities or for student’s to use for self-assessment. Includes full mark scheme.
Also available:
Mixed maths/statistics question assessment booklet
Serial dilution calculation worksheet
Logarithm & order of magnitude worksheet
Hardy-Weinberg worksheet
Activity designed for sections 3.7.2 and 3.7.3 of the AQA specification (however would also work well for other exam boards).
16 tasks divided into 4 themed stations (2 on population genetics, 1 on the different types of natural selection and 1 on speciation). Designed as a group revision activity.
PDF includes task card sheets to be printed, cut out (and laminated). Also includes student answer sheets (which correspond to the task card layout), along with full teacher answers.
PDF is black and white only - I printed each station on a different coloured card/paper before laminating.
Hardy-Weinberg calculation worksheet for A-level Biology.
Part of a growing bundle of worksheets aimed at improving maths skill confidence for A-level Biologists.
21 marks in total.
Great for a homework exercise to assess student’s abilities or for student’s to use for self-assessment. Includes full mark scheme.
Mixed maths/statistics question assessment booklet also available, along with a serial dilution calculation worksheet and percentage change calculation worksheet.
10 consolidation tasks/activities covering AS Biology content. Perfect for a revision lesson or a fun end-of-term activity.
Add a competitive element by using alongside one of my ‘fun team game ideas’ and give the winning team a small prize.
Activities are based on topics common to all exam boards (to the best of my knowledge).
Full answers and team answer sheets included.
More secondary science tasks coming soon!
6-week spaced repetition timetable for the summer holidays in between Year 12 and Year 13.
Year 12 not quite gone to plan?
Or just want to hit the ground running in Year 13?
This 6-week timetable will help you complete 4 repetitions of each topic from Year 12 (Modules 2-4 of the OCR A specification).
Available as a bundle with OCR AS Biology Flashcards & PAG revision sheets to really help you get to grips with the Year 12 content.
Visually appealing worksheet summarising the process of carbon dioxide transport.
What is included?
A scaffolded version (‘fill in the gap’ style).
A blank version.
A fully completed version (which could be used as a handout).
Great as a revision aid or quick homework exercise. Encourage the addition of colour to the worksheet to aid the formation of visual memories.
Similar style worksheets available for protein synthesis, tissue fluid formation, respiration, photosynthesis, epigenetics & inheritance.
Set of 88 flashcards covering practical skills & experimental design. Suitable for all exam boards.
Covers topics such as:
Different types of variable
Accuracy / precision / repeatability etc
Uncertainty
Range / standard deviation
Choice of statistical test
Choice of graph
Basic practical skills such as scientific drawing rules, eye piece graticule calibration etc
There is some ambiguity when it comes to mark schemes on questions such as accuracy/precision - with different exam boards sometimes having slightly different answers. I have tried to include the most appropriate answer on the flashcards, but if anyone disagrees with any of the answers - please do leave a review and I will alter the answers accordingly!
This download is the same as the Module 1 OCR A-level Biology flashcards.
Revision sheets for required practicals 1-6 (AQA AS Biology).
Despite being worth 15% of the marks, so many students don’t allocate specific revision time to the required practicals. I designed these sheets for my own students to encourage specific revision of the practicals and have seen a great improvement in practical knowledge and the ability to answer practical-based questions.
Each sheet includes key information, an example method (where relevant) and most importantly, exam-style questions and model answers.
The model answers for the exam-style questions have been written based on previous mark schemes, but I cannot guarantee that future mark schemes will be exactly the same. The model answers are for guidance only. Students should be encouraged to use these sheets as a starting point and update/annotate with any further information as needed.
Available as part of a bundle with Section 1-4 flashcards & spaced repetition timetable for the summer holidays in between Year 12 and Year 13.
Please note that I can accept no responsibility for your final exam grade should you choose to use these revision resources. These resources are intended to help students actively revise, but students should be aware that a high proportion of the marks in your exams are AO2 and AO3 marks and students should therefore use a variety of resources and techniques in preparation for all of the question styles that will be encountered in the exam. Whilst these resources have been written with past mark schemes in mind, there is no guarantee that future mark schemes will be the same.
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this resource, but I am only human, so if you spot an error, please email teachsecondaryscience@gmail.com and the resource will be updated ASAP.
*For first assessment in 2025.
UPDATE 5th May 2024, missing page in Manipulating Genomes Flashcards detailing DNA profiling has been added.
Concise, mapped to the specification and based on past mark schemes.
Print & assemble and then use to teach yourself the correct marking points for each topic.
Contains 244 flashcards covering Module 6 of the OCR ‘A’ specification (first assessment in 2025).
Some simpler practical skill questions are covered in the flashcards, but PAGs are generally covered separately in the OCR PAG revision sheet resource, which allows each PAG to be covered in more detail than flashcards would allow.
Please note that I can accept no responsibility for your final exam grade should you choose to use these revision resources. These resources are intended to help students actively revise, but students should be aware that a high proportion of the marks in your exams are AO2 and AO3 marks and students should therefore use a variety of resources and techniques in preparation for all of the question styles that will be encountered in the exam. Whilst these resources have been written with past mark schemes in mind, there is no guarantee that future mark schemes will be the same.
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this resource, but I am only human, so if you spot an error, please email teachsecondaryscience@gmail.com and the resource will be updated ASAP.
6-week spaced repetition timetable bundle for the summer holidays in between Year 12 and Year 13.
Year 12 not quite gone to plan?
End of year exams harder than expected?
Or just want to hit the ground running in Year 13?
This 6-week plan, complete with flashcards and required practical revision sheets, will help you complete 4 repetitions of each topic from Year 12 (Sections 1 -4 of the AQA specification), to get yourself back on track for Year 13.
Concise, mapped to the specification and based on past mark schemes.
Print & assemble and then use to teach yourself the correct marking points for each topic.
Contains 372 flashcards covering Section 5, 6 , 7 and 8 of the AQA A-level Biology Specification.
Please note, these flashcards don’t cover the required practicals but required practical revision sheets are available separately.
Correction 14th Dec 2024: Section 8 flashcards, page 6, ‘totipotent flashcards’ - autocorrect mistake corrected, ‘meiotic’ changed to ‘mitotic’
These flashcards can also be purchased as part of the Ultimate AQA A-level Biology Revision Bundle, which includes:
Section 1-8 Flashcards
Practical skill flashcards
Required practical 1-12 revision sheets
Year 13 spaced repetition timetable
Printable weekly revision timetable
Please note that I can accept no responsibility for your final exam grade should you choose to use these revision resources. These resources are intended to help students actively revise, but students should be aware that a high proportion of the marks in your exams are AO2 and AO3 marks and students should therefore use a variety of resources and techniques in preparation for all of the question styles that will be encountered in the exam. Whilst these resources have been written with past mark schemes in mind, there is no guarantee that future mark schemes will be the same.
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this resource, but I am only human, so if you spot an error, please email teachsecondaryscience@gmail.com and the resource will be updated ASAP.
30 flashcards covering content from the KS3 Cells and Organisation topic.
Designed so that answers print on the back of each question, so no sticking required - just print and cut out each flashcard.
Use for revision lessons or for early finishers.
I’ve been using the ‘past paper’ method for years with my students.
Students complete a past paper, mark and analyse their results using MARCKS and then write SMART targets to plan targeted revision sessions. If they don’t comfortably acheive their target grade in the first attempt, they are encouraged to repeat the past paper 2-3 days later (after having completed targeted revision).
I’ve found that giving students access to this editable spreadsheet has massively increased motivation to actually use the method properly and stick with it.
Students can select from drop down boxes to input their current grade for Biology, Chemistry & Physics. Then they input their target grade. Everytime they complete a past paper, they can input their mark, percentage & grade. The spreadsheet has space for 3 attempts at each paper. Finally at the end of each row, students can select whether they have achieved their target grade for that past paper or not.
This is designed for students studying separate sciences, a spreadsheet for trilogy students will be made available ASAP.
If you need to clear the text from a cell with a drop down box - DO NOT DELETE IT as this will delete the formatting for the cell. Just select ‘none’ from the drop down box.
Available as .numbers or .xlsx download.
This spreadsheet does NOT seem to work on iPads I’m afraid, but I have tested it on an iMac, macbook & a laptop running excel and the formatting appears to work properly.