Resources Specification

GCSE Additional Science Specification at a glance

Two routes are available, to suit different methods of curriculum planning in centres, both routes include the Controlled Assessment unit:

Route 1

(Units 1, 2, 3 and 4) - candidates take separate exams in biology, chemistry and physics, together with the Controlled Assessment.

or

Route 2

(Units 5, 6 and 4) - candidates take combined exams in biology, chemistry and physics, together with the Controlled Assessment.

Unit 1: Biology 2

  • Written paper – 1 hour
  • 60 marks – 25%
  • Structured and closed questions
    At least one question assessing Quality of Written Communication in a science context

Unit 2: Chemistry 2

  • Written paper – 1 hour
  • 60 marks – 25%
  • Structured and closed questions
    At least one question assessing Quality of Written Communication in a science context

Unit 3: Physics 2

  • Written paper – 1 hour
  • 60 marks – 25%
  • Structured and closed questions
    At least one question assessing Quality of Written Communication in a science context

Unit 5: Additional Science 1

  • Written paper – 1½ hours
  • 90 marks – 35%
  • Structured and closed questions
    At least one question assessing Quality of Written Communication in a science context
    Assesses:
    • Biology 2 (B2.1 to B2.4)
    • Chemistry 2 (C2.1 to C2.3)
    • Physics 2 (P2.1 to P2.3)

Unit 6: Additional Science 2

  • Written paper – 1½ hours
  • 90 marks – 40%
  • Structured and closed questions
    At least one question assessing Quality of Written Communication in a science context
    Assesses:
    • Biology 2 (B2.5 to B2.8)
    • Chemistry 2 (C2.4 to C2.7)
    • Physics 2 (P2.4 to P2.6)

Unit 4: Controlled Assessment

  • ISA – 2 written assessments plus one or two lessons for practical work and data processing
  • 50 marks – 25%

  • Controlled Assessment:
    • we set the ISAs and send you all the information before the course starts
    • you choose which of several ISAs to do and when
    • your candidates do the ISA test in class time
    • you mark their tests using marking guidance from us
    • we moderate your marks