Biology A level

3

Hi looking for some advice. I do a level biology self taught atm and wondered if anyone had any useful resources for exam techniques/ how to answer the questions (because AQA mark scheme is very specific). Any advice to help me boost my grade and help with my exams would be very appreciated thank you!!

Reply 1

amelie_gracee

2

As a second year AQA bio a level student predicted an A*, I use the Mrs Estruch videos on youtube for exam question practise, as she has lots of videos going through exam questions and referencing the mark scheme, and explains it all in a simple way. Apart from that, doing past papers (a lot of them!) which you can find online really helps to get a better idea of how AQA mark schemes work. Also, if you're just looking for a simple explanation for a topic you find difficult, the Cognito notes are really good, and free which was a big bonus for me compared to sites like Seneca.

Reply 2

frey70308

OP

3

Original post

by amelie_gracee

As a second year AQA bio a level student predicted an A*, I use the Mrs Estruch videos on youtube for exam question practise, as she has lots of videos going through exam questions and referencing the mark scheme, and explains it all in a simple way. Apart from that, doing past papers (a lot of them!) which you can find online really helps to get a better idea of how AQA mark schemes work. Also, if you're just looking for a simple explanation for a topic you find difficult, the Cognito notes are really good, and free which was a big bonus for me compared to sites like Seneca.

thank you so much!!

Reply 3

Kingston Jenifer

Official Rep

11

Original post

by frey70308

Hi looking for some advice. I do a level biology self taught atm and wondered if anyone had any useful resources for exam techniques/ how to answer the questions (because AQA mark scheme is very specific). Any advice to help me boost my grade and help with my exams would be very appreciated thank you!!

hi there,

GCP guides for A-Levels that are specific to your exam specification will be a tremendous help, especially as you are self taught. Additionally, try primrose kitten on youtube and khan academy, they helped me a lot! both are free. Past paper questions will text your application skills and knowledge - this combination should boost your grades. Finally, the exam boards produce specific textbooks and teachers often teach directly from there 🙂 they are about £40 each for year 1 and year 2 (from when I did mine in 2018/2020!)

Kind regards, Jenifer (Kingston rep)

Reply 4

kitty15

Study Forum Helper

15

Original post

by amelie_gracee

As a second year AQA bio a level student predicted an A*, I use the Mrs Estruch videos on youtube for exam question practise, as she has lots of videos going through exam questions and referencing the mark scheme, and explains it all in a simple way. Apart from that, doing past papers (a lot of them!) which you can find online really helps to get a better idea of how AQA mark schemes work. Also, if you're just looking for a simple explanation for a topic you find difficult, the Cognito notes are really good, and free which was a big bonus for me compared to sites like Seneca.

Hi, I second this, especially miss estruch’s skills workbook, where you can get topic based skills questions e.g practicals, comprehension, etc.

https://www.missestruch.co.uk/freebies

And try some of the challenge questions in your textbook if it has it! Those are designed like application questions

Reply 5

Reality Check

22

Original post

by frey70308

Hi looking for some advice. I do a level biology self taught atm and wondered if anyone had any useful resources for exam techniques/ how to answer the questions (because AQA mark scheme is very specific). Any advice to help me boost my grade and help with my exams would be very appreciated thank you!!

The AQA exams are very specific, you're right: and the only way to be sure that you're answering the questions in the way which scores the marks is to do past papers over and over and over again. Then check your answers very carefully against the MS to ensure you're using the right keywords and including the correct content. There is no other way of doing this.

I presume you've arranged your practical endorsement, or know for sure that it isn't required for your chosen university course of study?

Reply 6

Racsmi

7

Original post

by frey70308

Hi looking for some advice. I do a level biology self taught atm and wondered if anyone had any useful resources for exam techniques/ how to answer the questions (because AQA mark scheme is very specific). Any advice to help me boost my grade and help with my exams would be very appreciated thank you!!

I recommend physics and maths tutor website (uk) practice questions by topic to improve technique. They have loads of questions and it really helps learn the mark scheme requirements

Biology A level

Quick Reply

Related discussions

Articles for you

How The Student Room is moderated