Resources Specification

GCSE Science A 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

separate exams in biology, chemistry and physics are taken, together with the Controlled Assessment.

or

Route 2

combined exams in biology, chemistry and physics are taken, together with the Controlled Assessment.

Unit 1: Biology 1

  • Written paper – 1 hour
  • 60 marks – 25%
  • Structured questions
    One longer response question assessing Quality of Written Communication in a science context.

Unit 2: Chemistry 1

  • Written paper – 1 hour
  • 60 marks – 25%
  • Structured questions
    One longer response question assessing Quality of Written Communication in a science context

Unit 3: Physics 1

  • Written paper – 1 hour
  • 60 marks – 25%
  • Structured questions
    One longer response question assessing Quality of Written Communication in a science context

Unit 5: Science 1

  • Written paper – 1 1/2 hours
  • 90 marks – 35%
  • Closed and Structured Questions
    One longer response question assessing Quality of Written Communication in a science context.

    Assess:
    Biology 1 (B1.1 to B1.3)
    Chemistry 1 (C1.1 to C1.4)
    Physics 1 (P1.1 to P1.3)

Unit 6: Science 2

  • Written paper – 1 1/2 hours
  • 90 marks – 40%
  • Closed and Structured Questions
    One longer response question assessing Quality of Written Communication in a science context.

    Assess:
    Biology 1 (B1.4 to B1.8)
    Chemistry 1 (C1.5 to C1.7)
    Physics 1 (P1.4 to P1.5)

Unit 4: Controlled Assessment

  • Investigative Skills Assignment – 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
    • we outline the practical (or field) work candidates should do
    • we say what data processing they should do
    • 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