OCR SUMMER 2026
PREDICTED PAPER
GCSE (9–1) Biology B
(Twenty First Century Science)
J257/03 Breadth in biology (Higher Tier)
Time allowed: 1 hour 45 minutes
You must have:
• a ruler (cm/mm)
You can use:
• an HB pencil
a scientific or graphical calculator
H
Please write clearly in black ink. Do not write in the barcodes.
Centre number Candidate number
First name(s)
Last name
INSTRUCTIONS
• Use black ink. You can use an HB pencil, but only for graphs and diagrams.
• Write your answer to each question in the space provided. If you need extra space use
the lined pages at the end of this booklet. The question numbers must be clearly shown.
• Answer all the questions.
• Where appropriate, your answer should be supported with working. Marks might be
given for using a correct method, even if your answer is wrong.
INFORMATION
• The total mark for this paper is 90.
• The marks for each question are shown in brackets [ ].
• This document has 21 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
Turn over
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, 2
1 A student investigates how the nervous system controls a simple reflex. The student holds
their hand over a candle flame briefly. The hand is withdrawn rapidly before the student is
consciously aware of the heat.
Fig. 1.1 shows a diagram of part of the nervous system involved in this response.
(a) Name the parts labelled A, B, C and D in Fig. 1.1.
Label Name of structure
1
2
3
4
[4]
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, 3
(b) Describe the sequence of events from when the heat stimulus is detected to when the hand is
withdrawn. Include the names of the neurones involved and explain how the nerve impulse passes
between neurones.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................. [4]
(c) A student measures reaction time using a ruler drop test. Table 1.1 shows the results.
Table 1.1
Attempt 1 2 3 4 5
Distance ruler fell (cm) 18 14 22 13 15
(i) Calculate the mean distance the ruler fell. Give your answer to an appropriate number of significant
figures. Show your working.
Mean = .................... cm [2]
for more: tyrionpapers.com
PREDICTED PAPER
GCSE (9–1) Biology B
(Twenty First Century Science)
J257/03 Breadth in biology (Higher Tier)
Time allowed: 1 hour 45 minutes
You must have:
• a ruler (cm/mm)
You can use:
• an HB pencil
a scientific or graphical calculator
H
Please write clearly in black ink. Do not write in the barcodes.
Centre number Candidate number
First name(s)
Last name
INSTRUCTIONS
• Use black ink. You can use an HB pencil, but only for graphs and diagrams.
• Write your answer to each question in the space provided. If you need extra space use
the lined pages at the end of this booklet. The question numbers must be clearly shown.
• Answer all the questions.
• Where appropriate, your answer should be supported with working. Marks might be
given for using a correct method, even if your answer is wrong.
INFORMATION
• The total mark for this paper is 90.
• The marks for each question are shown in brackets [ ].
• This document has 21 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
Turn over
for more: tyrionpapers.com
, 2
1 A student investigates how the nervous system controls a simple reflex. The student holds
their hand over a candle flame briefly. The hand is withdrawn rapidly before the student is
consciously aware of the heat.
Fig. 1.1 shows a diagram of part of the nervous system involved in this response.
(a) Name the parts labelled A, B, C and D in Fig. 1.1.
Label Name of structure
1
2
3
4
[4]
for more: tyrionpapers.com
, 3
(b) Describe the sequence of events from when the heat stimulus is detected to when the hand is
withdrawn. Include the names of the neurones involved and explain how the nerve impulse passes
between neurones.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................. [4]
(c) A student measures reaction time using a ruler drop test. Table 1.1 shows the results.
Table 1.1
Attempt 1 2 3 4 5
Distance ruler fell (cm) 18 14 22 13 15
(i) Calculate the mean distance the ruler fell. Give your answer to an appropriate number of significant
figures. Show your working.
Mean = .................... cm [2]
for more: tyrionpapers.com
