About GCSE Science

There have been big changes in Science GCSEs recently, with new syllabuses being used in schools since 2006. The changes have been good, allowing more flexibility and greater freedom for teachers to express themselves.

Here are the main points that are true for most schools:

• A core Science GCSE is taken in year 10 - this is the compulsory part. It covers Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
• In year 11, there are many choices. Most students take a second GCSE - Additional Science.
• Alternatively, students can specialise in one or the separate sciences (Biology, Chemistry and/or Physics), or take all three resulting in three GCSEs.
• Coursework has been replaced by in-class assessments that vary according to the syllabus.
• A new GCSE, Applied Science, has been introduced. This caters especially, but not exclusively, for those that want a more vocational focus.
• Your school may also offer other qualifications, such as BTEC and GNVQ.

As you can imagine, it is really important that you know which syllabus you are studying! These are created by the exam boards which provide some very helpful information including past papers, examiners comments and marking schemes. You can download the syllabuses from their websites and use them as checklists through your course.

I have not included information for Northern Ireland GCSEs (see the CCEA website and the BBCs NI website for more information) or Scotland's different exam structure ( see the excellent National Qualifications website).