Edexcel A-Level Biology Paper 3: “Were Human Ancestors Able to Hibernate?” – Full Question and Mark Scheme Pack This resource offers a complete set of high-quality exam-style questions and detailed mark schemes based on the 2025 Edexcel Paper 3 article, “Were Human Ancestors Able to Hibernate?” by Alex Wilkins. Designed by an experienced A-Level teacher and examiner, the questions closely follow the style, structure, and challenge level expected in the final Paper 3 examination. Every question is tightly linked to specific paragraphs of the article, fully mapped to the Edexcel A-Level Biology specification (Topics 5–8), covering: Gene expression, microarrays, transcriptomes Control of body temperature and metabolism (homeostasis) Neurotransmission and brain structure (old vs newer brain evolution) Mitochondria, respiration, brown fat and energy conservation Kidney function, nitrogen conservation, and urea recycling Cell division and suppression of mitosis during hibernation What’s included: 20+ structured, exam-style questions (ranging from 2 to 8 marks) Full Edexcel-style mark schemes with precise mark points Clear links to A-level content and key biological concepts Stretch and challenge extension questions for A/A* candidates Ready-to-print Student Question Paper Complete Teacher Answer Guide

A series of revision mats to compliment the IGCSE edexcel syllabus. Each revision mat consists of examination style questions to challenge knowledge and understanding. For best results, I photocopy onto A3 paper. Can be used to complete a topic or revision for test/exams.

Prepare your students for success with this comprehensive set of 23 exam-style questions tailored specifically to the Edexcel International A-Level Biology Unit 5 (June 2025) article question. Based on the official pre-release articles: **“Risk of heart failure may increase with age due to Y chromosome loss” – Claire Wilson (New Scientist) “Essence of man: Y size doesn’t matter” – Bob Holmes (New Scientist)** This resource includes a wide range of question types linked to the Edexcel specification, enabling students to develop skills required for top marks in the Unit 5 article section. What’s Included: 23 original questions aligned to the 2025 article topics Fully written mark schemes, in the style of Edexcel’s exam board guidance A suggested topic revision list Covers essential Unit 5 content areas: DNA replication and mitosis Regulatory genes and protein synthesis Immune response and inflammation Meiosis Mutation Sex chromosome evolution Microarrays and gene expression analysis Evolutionary trees and comparative genomics Protein synthesis DNA replication Data interpretation and calculations based on real article stats Perfect for: Class revision sessions Independent study Homework tasks Mock exam prep Stretch and challenge activities for A/A* students

Practical activity - Investigating the changes in the population of a plant species along an environmental gradient. Transect samples are taken systematically in a linear pattern. In this investigation, you will use an interrupted belt transect to investigate the effect of the increase in height (altitude on a hill). Students record their results in the table and plot a scatter graph. A conclusion can then be drawn using their results.

A PDF worksheet focusing on the experiment which investigates which factors a growing seeds requires. Students need to determine which conditions would allow seed growth and explain their answer. Typical GCSE question. Markscheme included. This resource is great for: In-class worksheet Pre/post-test Homework assignment Support work Tes paid licence

A power point to aid students understanding of breathing and the pressure/volume differences that occur during inhalation and exhalation. This links directly to the edexcel syllabus - 2.47 understand the role of the intercostal muscles and the diaphragm in ventilation. I have included a worksheet from edexcel AS biology to calculate the surface area of the lungs as a starter activity. Also included is the video on breathing by TedEd which gives a nice introduction to the process and also links into respiration. Plenary - edexcel exam questions

A pdf file focusing on skeletal muscles. Students label the parts of the sarcomere. There is a basic diagram of the sliding filament theory that will help students describe the process of muscle contraction. Answer sheet included.

Welcome to Hollow Grove, a small town surrounded by dense forests and whispered legends of the supernatural. As a group of students on a camping trip, you arrive at the mysterious old mansion rumored to be haunted. The wind howls through the trees as you approach the creaky gate. The story runs alongside tasks to test students’ knowledge and understanding of simultaneous equations. The escape room is interactive. Students can move objects and click on them to reveal clues. No handouts are required but scrap paper is useful as some clues need to be written down and rearranged. There are gentle hints at the top of each page but students should click around the whole room to move or reveal clues. It is important clues are solved as they are required to pass to the next page. The escape room is a great end-of-topic task to check student´s understanding in a novel way. What is a digital escape room? Digital Escape rooms are an interactive activity that promotes both individual learning and peer collaboration through problem-solving. Each escape room has a range of activities to challenge the students whilst also covering the specification. This means they are an excellent resource to use as a revision tool. All of the activities are online, eliminating the need for printing materials. How does the escape room work? Students will be given a link to access the digital escape room. You do not need to provide an email address or have a google account to access the material. Escape rooms can be completed on laptops, tablets and mobile phones, so they can be set as homework or used in cover lessons. Starting the Task • Give students the link to the escape room • Students can enjoy working through the challenges with a partner but they can be completed alone. • Students will need to look closely at the images. Some objects can be moved to reveal clues, other need to be clicked on. • There is a teacher answer sheet provided if you need to guide students.

6 exam questions which focuses on the CORMS mark scheme. I have included a scaffold for students to refer to as they answer the question so they become familiar with each of the points in CORMS. Mark scheme included

A PowerPoint which explains the difference between bacteriostatic and bacteriocidal antibiotics. It includes simple activities of students collecting information from cards around the room. There is also an exam question to check knowledge. Brief video explaining the difference and then students collect information from cards and internet

A PDF worksheet which focuses on the 3 types of neurones and Schwann cell structure. Students label the cells and complete a cloze exercise. There is also a vocabulary enhancer for students to define keywords. Answer sheet included.

You are the Captain of the S.S. Explorer, your mission … to explore neighbouring solar systems looking for valuable minerals to return to Earth. On board are your 16 crewmates. You have 1 month left of your mission before returning home. What could go wrong? The story runs alongside tasks to test students’ knowledge and understanding of geography skills to include: Ordnance survey maps Geography information systems The escape room is interactive. Students can move objects and click on them to reveal clues. No handouts are required but scrap paper is useful as some clues need to be written down and rearranged. There are gentle hints at the top of each page but students should click around the whole room to move or reveal clues. It is important clues are solved as they are required to pass to the next page. The escape room is a great end-of-topic task to check student´s understanding in a novel way. What is a digital escape room? Digital Escape rooms are an interactive activity that promotes both individual learning and peer collaboration through problem-solving. Each escape room has a range of activities to challenge the students whilst also covering the specification. This means they are an excellent resource to use as a revision tool. All of the activities are online, eliminating the need for printing materials. How does the escape room work? Students will be given a link to access the digital escape room. You do not need to provide an email address or a Google account to access the material. Escape rooms can be completed on laptops, tablets, and mobile phones, so they can be set as homework or used in cover lessons. Starting the Task • Give students the link to the escape room • Students can enjoy working through the challenges with a partner but they can be completed alone. • Students will need to look closely at the images. Some objects can be moved to reveal clues, other need to be clicked on. • There is a teacher answer sheet provided if you need to guide students.

A PDF worksheet focusing on the DNA replication experiment devised by Meselson and Stahl. Students answer exam-style questions. Use activity for retrieval practice, revision or to check understanding. Can be used in class or as a homework activity. Answer sheet included.

PSHE lesson I am doing with my year 10 class. There is a quick quiz for career ideas included.

Students investigate Hooke´s Law with a simple practical. They use text books and their results to form their own conclusion as to what Hooke´s Law is.

A series of activities for students to complete in class or at home in preparation for the unit 1 examination. It is most useful to use before they attempt exam past papers. Resources include: A learning grid with focused questions to ensure students cover main topics in unit 1 (18 pages). This includes biological molecules; Heart and cardiac cycle; Blood transport system; CVD; Cell membranes; Movement across membranes; Gas exchange; Inheritance; DNA replication; Protein synthesis; Mutations Also with questions focused towards core practicals. Exam command words reminder

A PDF worksheet designed to summarise the process of protein synthesis to IGCSE students. The task is a word fill exercise but my students added comments to the diagrams to consolidate their understanding.

A PPT with information regarding the 2 types of fibres. Students collect information about the fibres from around the room (included in PPT) and complete a table stating the differences. They can then use their knowledge to predict the types of fibres found in different animal muscles. There is an exam question and mark scheme to determine understanding of subject material. I have included the lesson plan I provided when I was observed so feel free to tweak it to suit your group.

4 lessons focusing on the non-specific and specific responses to infection. I have split the lessons into 4 parts due to the subject material being very complex. The lessons cover Edexcel specification links 6.8 - 6.10 but can be used with other exam boards The lessons have many different opportunities for assessment and recalling previous learnt material.

A simple pdf worksheet where students describe how gram staining works. There are some basic diagrams to help scaffold their answers. Answer sheet provided.