OCR

OCR offer two specifications - Gateway Science and 21st Century Science. The later is most commonly used by schools and is the one I describe here. Like other exam boards, there is a Science A, the compulsory GCSE studied, usually, in year 10. Then there is the additional science GCSE which is optional and studied after completing Science A.

21st Century Science A

There are five assessments:

Unit 1 (A211): Modules B1, C1, P1. 40 min written paper, 16.7% of total marks
Unit 2 (A212): Modules B2, C2, P2. 40 min written paper, 16.7% of total marks
Unit 3 (A213): Modules B3, C3, P3. 40 min written paper, 16.7% of total marks
Unit 4 (A214): Ideas in Context. 45 min written paper, 16.7% of total marks. Questions are largely based on pre-release material.
Unit 5 (219): Practical Data Analysis and Case Study, 33.3% of total marks. This is split between a) a critical analysis of primary data and b) a case study of a topical issue. These are assessed by teachers and externally moderated.

Module details

Module B1: You and Your Genes
Module C1: Air quality
Module P1: The Earth in the Universe
Module B2: Keeping Healthy
Module C2: Material Choices
Module P2: Radiation and Life
Module B3: Life on Earth
Module C3: Food Matters
Module P3: Radioactive Materials

Additional science

Units 1, 2 & 3, (16.7% each). Objective questions, 40 minutes each.
Unit 4, (16.7%) uses structured questions to focus on three modules, one each of biology, chemistry and physics, with the subject made clear by pre-release material. 45 minutes.
Unit 5, (33.3%) comprises a complete practical investigation task, assessed by teachers, internally standardised and then externally moderated by OCR.

Alternatively, candidates can also achieve GCSE Additional Science A by taking Unit 2 from each of J633 Biology A (A222), J634 Chemistry A (A322) and J635 Physics A (A332) plus Units 4 and 5 from this specification.

Additional Science modules

Module B4: Homeostasis
Module C4: Chemical Patterns
Module P4: Explaining Motion
Module B5: Growth and Development
Module C5: Chemicals of the Natural Environment
Module P5: Electric Circuits
Module B6: Brain and Mind
Module C6: Chemical Synthesis
Module P6: The Wave Model of Radiation