Our predictions come from detailed analysis of past papers and recent exam trends. We have picked out several high-probability topics we predict to feature in the upcoming GCSE papers.
These samples are a starting point for your revision and show only a small part of our full predicted papers.
You may also wish to try our Free GCSE Prediction Tool.
Sample Predictions
Computer Science (OCR J277)
Sample Focus Area 1: Network Performance (Question 2 of our predicted Paper 1)
- Factors that affect performance: Students should be able to explain how a LAN’s speed and reliability are affected by the number of connected devices, the bandwidth available, the transmission media (copper, fibre or wireless) and interference.
- Linking cause to effect: For full marks, each factor needs an explanation of why it matters. For example, more devices sharing the same bandwidth leads to congestion and slower transfer speeds. Naming the factor alone earns only half the marks.
Sample Focus Area 2: Merge Sort (Question 4 of our predicted Paper 2)
- Showing every stage: Students must show the list being split into single items and then merged back together in order, pair by pair, until one sorted list remains.
- Comparing algorithms: Students should be able to give an advantage of merge sort over bubble sort (faster on large lists) and a disadvantage (it needs more memory because extra lists are created while merging).
Chemistry (AQA 8462)
Sample Focus Area: Metals and the Periodic Table (our predicted Paper 1)
Chemistry Paper 1 often uses the periodic table to test whether students can link an element’s position to its atomic structure and reactions.
- Why Group 1 metals react similarly: every atom has one electron in its outer shell, which it loses to form a 1+ ion. This is a “must-know” explanation for 2027. Answers that only say “they are in the same group” score no marks.
- The reactivity trend: reactivity increases down Group 1. The outer electron is further from the nucleus, so the attraction is weaker and the electron is lost more easily.
- Balanced equations with state symbols: questions on alkali metals reacting with water often ask for a balanced symbol equation. The state symbol mark is the one most often lost: the metal hydroxide is in solution, so it is (aq).
- How the periodic table was accepted: Mendeleev left gaps and predicted the properties of undiscovered elements. Students must explain how later discoveries matched his predictions, and quote data to do it.
Expert Edition Feature: mark scheme in the Chemistry Papers bundle includes Examiner Commentary for selected questions. It is backed by detailed “accept / do not accept” guidance and the common mistakes that cost marks, so you can see exactly which keywords earn full marks.
AQA Combined Science: Trilogy (8464)
Sample extracts from our full predicted papers, available for both Higher and Foundation tier. Every mark scheme includes Examiner Commentary and detailed “accept / do not accept” guidance.
Physics: Particle Model of Matter
Sample Focus Area: Latent Heat and Heating Curves (Question 1 of our predicted Higher Paper 1; Question 5 of Foundation Paper 1)
- Reading the graph: students are given a heating curve for ice. They must recognise that the flat section shows a change of state, with no change in temperature, and use it to calculate the specific latent heat of fusion.
- The particle explanation: while the ice melts, the energy supplied is used to overcome the forces between the particles, which increases their potential energy. The average kinetic energy of the particles does not change, so the temperature stays at 0 °C until all the ice has melted.
- The common mistake: many students think the flat part of the graph means no energy is being transferred. Examiners expect students to say where that energy goes.
Chemistry: Structure and Bonding
Sample Focus Area: Diamond, Graphite and Graphene (Question 3 of our predicted Higher Paper 1; Question 6 of Foundation Paper 1)
- Why diamond is so hard: each carbon atom forms four strong covalent bonds in a giant covalent structure, so a lot of energy is needed to break them. Answers that mention “intermolecular forces” lose the mark, because diamond has no molecules, only covalent bonds.
- Why graphite conducts but diamond does not: in graphite each carbon atom forms only three covalent bonds, so one electron per atom is delocalised and can carry charge through the structure. In diamond, all four outer electrons are used in bonding.
- Why graphite is soft: there are no covalent bonds between the layers, so the layers can slide over each other.
- Graphene: a single layer of graphite. Students should be able to give two properties that make it useful in electronics: it conducts electricity, and it is very strong (only one atom thick).
Biology: Homeostasis and Response
Sample Focus Area: The Reflex Arc and Reaction Time (Question 1 of our predicted Higher Paper 2; Question 6 of Foundation Paper 2)
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- The pathway in order: receptor, sensory neurone, relay neurone (in the spinal cord), motor neurone, effector. Full marks need the impulse described at each stage, ending with the muscle contracting.
- Crossing a synapse: a chemical is released, diffuses across the gap and binds to receptors on the next neurone, starting a new impulse. Saying “the impulse jumps across the gap” scores no marks.