ocr.org.uk/gcsescience GCSE (9-1) Gateway Science Suite
Summary of content Biology A Topic Includes B1: Cell level systems Cell structures; what happens in cells; respiration; photosynthesis B2: Scaling up Supplying the cell; the challenges of size B3: Organism level systems Coordination and control the nervous system; coordination and control the endocrine system; maintaining internal environments B4: Community level systems Ecosystems B5: Interaction between systems Inheritance; natural selection and evolution B6: Global challenges Monitoring and maintaining the environment; feeding the human race; monitoring and maintaining health Chemistry A Topic Includes C1: Particles The particle model; atomic structure; atoms; molecules C2: Elements, compounds and mixtures Separating mixtures; bonding; properties of materials C3: Chemical reactions Chemical reactions; energy changes; types of chemical reactions; electrolysis C4: Predicting and identifying reactions and products Predicting chemical reactions; identification of products of chemical reactions C5: Monitoring and controlling chemical reactions Yield; atom economy; rate of reactions; equilibria C6: Global challenges Improving processes and products; organic chemistry; composition of the atmosphere Physics A Topic Includes P1: Matter The particle model; changes of state; pressure in gases and liquids P2: Forces Motion; Newton s Laws; fields and forces causing changes P3: Electricity Static and charge; simple circuits; electrical current, potential difference and resistance P4: Magnetism and magnetic fields Magnets and magnetic fields; uses of magnetic fields P5: Waves in matter Behaviour of mechanical and electromagnetic waves; the electromagnetic spectrum P6: Radioactive decay waves and particles Radioactive emissions; radioactive decay P7: Energy Work done; power and efficiency P8: Global challenges How objects are affected by external factors; electricity production; characteristics of planets The new Gateway Combined Science A qualification contains a reduced proportion of the content outlined for Biology A, Chemistry A and Physics A. 6 ocr.org.uk/gcsescience
Assessment Overview The current grading system, using A* to G, will be replaced by a numeric system, 9 to 1 (with 9 being at the top of the scale). The scheme of assessment will consist of two tiers: foundation tier and higher tier. Foundation tier assesses grades 5 to 1 and higher tier assesses grades 9 to 4. An allowed grade 3 may be awarded on the higher tier option for students who are a small number of marks below the grade 3/4 boundary. Students must be entered for either the foundation tier or the higher tier. Summary of regulatory requirements Requirements AO1 (Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: scientific ideas, scientific techniques and procedures.) AO2 (Apply knowledge and understanding of: scientific ideas, scientific enquiry, techniques and procedures.) AO3 (Analyse information and ideas to: interpret and evaluate, make judgements and draw conclusions, develop and improve experimental procedures.) Targets Assessment of maths in question papers Biology 10% Assessment of practical in question papers 15% Overlap between foundation and higher tiers 20% Minimum assessment time 40% 40% 20% Chemistry 20% Physics 30% Combined Science 20% 3.5 hours for each single Science 7 hours for Combined Science Practical requirements The new GCSEs will require students to carry out a minimum of eight practical activities for each single Science and sixteen practical activities for Combined Science. The practical activities can be completed at any point during the two-year GCSE course at the discretion of the centre. Similar to our suite of AS Level Sciences, practical activities are embedded throughout the teaching topics to encourage practical activities in the classroom. The development of practical skills is a fundamental and integral aspect of the study of any scientific subject which will help students throughout their course in preparation for the written examinations. 8 ocr.org.uk/gcsescience
Assessment Models Gateway Separate Biology Paper 1: Biology Topics 1-3 Gateway Separate Chemistry Paper 1: Chemistry Topics 1-3 Gateway Separate Physics Paper 1: Physics Topics 1-4 Paper 2: Biology Topics 4-6 with assumed knowledge of Topics 1-3 Paper 2: Chemistry Topics 4-6 with assumed knowledge of Topics 1-3 Paper 2: Physics Topics 5-8 with assumed knowledge of Topics 1-4 9 ocr.org.uk/gcsescience
Assessment Models Gateway Combined Science Paper 1: Biology Biology Topics 1-3 Paper 2: Biology Biology Topics 4-6 with assumed knowledge of Topics 1-3 Paper 3: Chemistry Chemistry Topics 1-3 Paper 4: Chemistry Chemistry Topics 4-6 with assumed knowledge of Topics 1-3 Paper 5: Physics Physics Topics 1-3 Paper 6: Physics Physics Topics 4-6 with assumed knowledge of Topics 1-3 Our specifications, along with the skills guide, will prepare you and your candidates in the best ways possible, supported by our team of Subject Specialists. 10 ocr.org.uk/gcsescience
Progression pathways We offer a range of qualifications across Key Stages 4 and 5: from Entry Level Science to AS and A Levels in a range of sciences. There are clear progression routes from one end of the ability range to the other. At each stage, the qualifications provide students with the foundations to progress to the next with confidence. Key Stage 3 STEM Projects GCSE (9-1) Separate Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) GCSE (9-1) Combined Science AS and A Level Sciences Biology A Biology B (Advancing Biology) Chemistry A Chemistry B (Salters) Geology Physics A Physics B (Advancing Physics) Entry Level Science Extended Project Qualification 12 ocr.org.uk/gcsescience