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Many students set their sights on achieving an A* in IGCSE Biology—but reaching the very top grade requires more than just memorising facts from a textbook. Over 15 years of teaching Biology I’ve seen first-hand that the difference between an A and an A* often comes down to strategy: knowing exactly what the syllabus demands, understanding core processes in depth, and applying that knowledge with precision in the exam hall. In this guide, I’ll share practical, exam-focused techniques tailored to both Cambridge* and Edexcel IGCSE Biology, so you can approach your revision with confidence and give yourself the best chance of securing that A*.
The Cambridge course has two specifications that cover the same content: 0610 is graded A-G while 0970 is graded 9-1. This article can be applied more obviously to the 0610 specification, but the principles discussed are equally relevant for achieving a grade 9 in the 0970 course.
Key takeaways
Success in IGCSE Biology requires both subject mastery and exam technique.
An A* is achievable with consistent practice, deep understanding, and effective revision strategies.
Your study plan should include past papers, mark schemes, and the syllabus.
What it takes to get an A* in IGCSE Biology
Both Cambridge and Edexcel IGCSE Biology are designed to challenge students’ knowledge and skills, with assessment split between theory and practical (or alternative-to-practical) papers. To achieve an A* students usually need to score around 80% or higher, though grade boundaries shift depending on the year’s exam. At this level, it’s not enough to simply recall facts—you’ll be expected to apply knowledge to new contexts, interpret data, and present logical, well-structured answers.
Top-performing IGCSE Biology students share these traits:
they start revising early and keep consistent study schedules
they focus on understanding processes rather than rote memorisation
they practise exam technique rigorously with past papers and mark schemes
they learn from every mistake and avoid repeating errors
Examiners reward students who can explain biological ideas clearly, use precise scientific language, and apply knowledge across different parts of the syllabus.
Know the syllabus inside out
While exact details vary, the main ideas covered in biology at IGCSE are the same across the different specifications; essential topics include:
characteristics of living organisms: basic life processes, including movement, respiration, sensitivity, growth, reproduction, excretion, and nutrition
cell structure and organisation: plant, animal and bacterial cell structure, organelle functions, and levels of organisation, from organelles to organ systems
movement of substances: diffusion, osmosis and active transport, and factors affecting the rate of movement
biological molecules and enzymes: structure and testing of carbohydrates, proteins and fats, as well as enzyme function and the effects of temperature and pH on enzyme activity
nutrition in plants and humans: photosynthesis, limiting factors and leaf adaptations in plants, and components of a balanced diet and digestive system function in humans
transport systems: xylem and phloem in plants, and the circulatory system in animals, including the heart, blood vessels, and blood components
gas exchange in humans: structure of the breathing system, adaptations of gas exchange surfaces, and the effects of exercise on breathing
respiration: aerobic and anaerobic respiration, and the energy requirements of living organisms
excretion: excretory products and the organs involved in excretion
coordination and hormones: nervous and endocrine control of responses, reflex actions, and homeostasis
reproduction: differences between asexual and sexual reproduction, and reproduction in plants and humans, including fertilisation, reproductive systems and hormonal control
inheritance and selection: cell division, patterns of inheritance, and the processes of natural and artificial selection
diseases and immunity: pathogens, disease transmission, body defences and the role of hygiene in disease prevention
ecology and environment: key ecological terms, food chains and webs, nutrient cycles, and human impacts on the environment
biotechnology and modification: industrial use of microorganisms in fermenters, and genetic modification to produce useful products
Have a look at our IGCSE exam topic articles for more details on the topics covered in IGCSE Biology:
My advice to students is to:
download the specification from your exam board’s website and have it next to you as you revise
use the syllabus as a checklist; iIf it’s not on the specification, you won’t be examined on it
Here are some useful specification links:
CIE IGCSE Biology specification (opens in a new tab)
Edexcel IGCSE Biology specification (opens in a new tab)
Master the core concepts and processes
Biology is full of interlinked processes. Students who achieve A* grades don’t just memorise—they connect ideas.
Examples of biology topics that can be clearly linked include:
cell biology and enzymes – understanding the lock-and-key model and the effect of temperature / pH on enzymes is essential for explaining the effect of environmental factors on cell metabolism
photosynthesis, respiration and food chains – grasping the relationship between photosynthesis and respiration allows for a better understanding of the transfer of energy through living systems
human organ systems – digestion and breathing supply resources to the body, the circulatory system distributes them to the cells, and homeostatic mechanisms adjust rates and blood flow so that metabolic needs can be met
Practice with past papers and mark schemes
If I had to choose one tip, it would be this: use past papers as your most powerful revision tool. They show you exactly how questions are asked, how long you have, and the wording that examiners want you to use.
Sit papers under timed conditions.
Mark your answers carefully using the official mark schemes.
Read examiner reports to spot common mistakes.
Keep a mistakes log book: note the error, the exact mark-scheme wording, and why the mark was lost; review it each week.
Used consistently, this routine turns mistakes into lessons that stick and, over time, builds speed, accuracy and alignment with examiner expectations—these are traits that I see in A* students, who rarely make the same mistake twice.
Perfect your exam technique
Getting full marks in exam questions often comes down to technique as much as knowledge. Consider the following:
command words: Cambridge and Edexcel both publish glossaries of command words, e.g. describe, explain and evaluate; learn the requirements for each command word and answer accordingly
structured answers: for 4–6 mark questions you should aim to write in short, clear sentences; each sentence should earn you a mark
common pitfalls: students often lose marks due to:
vague language, e.g. “plants grow better” instead of “higher rate of photosynthesis”
missing out units in numerical answers
failing to show working in calculation questions
To turn the points above into marks, schedule regular timed practice with past-paper exam questions, then do a quick self-check for the criteria and pitfalls above.
Make the most of your revision time
If you want an A* don’t rely on passive revision strategies, such as rereading notes—use active revision that forces you to recall, link and use what you’ve learned. Example techniques include:
blurting: write everything you know about a topic from memory, then check against your notes and add what you missed
flashcards: quiz yourself on key ideas and processes
peer revision: study with a partner—teach a topic, quiz each other, and swap-mark answers using the official mark scheme
Save My Exams offers topic questions, revision notes, and past paper sets that align with both Cambridge and Edexcel syllabuses; consider using our resources to maximise the quality of your revision.
Use these links to read about how to effectively revise for your IGCSE Biology exams:
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage do you need for an A* in IGCSE Biology?
The grade boundary for an A* is usually around 80%, but this isn’t fixed. Each year, the boundary shifts depending on how difficult the papers are. In an easier exam series, it may be set higher, while in a more challenging year, it may drop slightly. The key is not to chase a number but to aim for consistent high performance across all papers.
How long should I revise for each day to get an A*?
There’s no magic number of hours, but quality matters far more than quantity. In the months leading up to exams, 1–2 focused hours per day is ideal. In peak revision periods, you may extend this to 3–4 hours spread across the day. It is a good idea to combine:
content review: learning definitions, revisiting diagrams, recalling key processes
exam practice: timed past paper questions
reflection: reviewing mistakes, reworking weak areas
Short, regular sessions are more effective than long, unfocused cramming sessions.
Are past papers enough to get an A*?
Past papers are essential, but they’re not enough on their own. They train your exam technique but don’t always build your underlying understanding. To secure an A*, you need a combination of:
syllabus mastery: knowing exactly what will be examined
active revision strategies: e.g. flashcards and peer revision
targeted practice: focusing extra time on trickier topics like inheritance or photosynthesis
Think of past papers as the final polish — they make your knowledge exam-ready, but they can’t replace building that knowledge in the first place.
Final thoughts
Achieving an A* in IGCSE Biology is not about being naturally gifted; it’s about smart preparation and consistent effort. Over my 15+ years teaching Biology, I’ve seen many students move from Bs or As to A*s simply by changing their approach; these students:
stop cramming and start revising regularly
shift from memorising to understanding processes
use past papers not just for practice but to learn from mistakes
train themselves to write answers in clear, specific language
The A* grade is there to reward those who combine knowledge and exam technique. If you follow the strategies in this guide — mastering the syllabus, revising actively, and sharpening your exam technique — you can put yourself in the top group of candidates.
Remember: Biology is about patterns, processes, and precision. With the right mindset and resources, you can absolutely achieve the top grade.
Save My Exams is here to help, with tailored revision notes, exam-style questions, and past paper resources designed for both Cambridge and Edexcel IGCSE Biology. If you use them consistently alongside the strategies above, you’ll be giving yourself the very best chance of securing your A*.
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