Edexcel GCSE Sciences (2016)
Clear and consistent exams + unbeatable support = 100% commitment to inclusive and engaging science education for everyone
With Nigel English in place as our overarching Chair of Science qualifications, we’re striving to make sure our Edexcel GCSE examination papers provide the best possible assessments for your students with a clear and consistent style that is fair to all learners - a genuine test of science not literacy. With a defined list of topics for each paper, gradual ramping of questions, clear command words and accessible language - you can be confident each student will know what they are being asked to do.
Our entry level certificates in science and further science are aligned to the programme of study and provide a stepping stone to GCSE Combined science for lower attainers, building confidence, engagement, enjoyment and fundamentals in science.
Our extensive support programme includes CPD networking events, specimen papers, over 1500 mock questions, examWizard, free Access to Scripts service, a range of Guides (Maths support, Technical Guide, Explaining our Exams), mapping documents, 11-16 scheme of work, specimen papers and more...
Our experience of integrating clear and focused core practicals into specifications and assessing practical skills in exam papers means you and your students can have confidence in our approach to practical work. Plus, our free core practical guide provides you with support in delivering the core practicals, including teacher, technician and student worksheets.
We understand that tracking your students’ progress as they work towards their GCSE (9-1) Science exams is essential, not only so you and your students know what level they are working at and what they are aiming for, but also to ensure you make the right decision on qualification entry. Our Progression Services and ResultsPlus tool for Science provide assessments and resources to map and measure progress, helping you to: check individual, class or year progress; report on progress at an individual student level in terms of knowledge and skills; formulate your own 9-1 grade predictions and quickly identify intervention needs early on in the learning journey.
We have a range of paid-for resources to support the Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Science qualifications, covering combined science right through to separate sciences plus intervention and revision support.
Find out more about our teaching and learning resources
*Our paid-for resources are not a prerequisite for the delivery of our Edexcel specifications.
On this page
Specification
- Qualification type:
- General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE)
- Level:
- Level 1/2
- Accreditation status:
- Accredited
- Specification codes:
- 1SC0
- Availability:
- UK and international
- First teaching:
- 2016
- First assessment:
- 2018
- Qualification type:
- General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE)
- Level:
- Level 1/2
- Accreditation status:
- Accredited
- Specification codes:
- 1BI0
- Availability:
- UK and international
- First teaching:
- 2016
- First assessment:
- 2018
- Qualification type:
- General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE)
- Level:
- Level 1/2
- Accreditation status:
- Accredited
- Specification codes:
- 1CH0
- Availability:
- UK and international
- First teaching:
- 2016
- First assessment:
- 2018
- Qualification type:
- General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE)
- Level:
- Level 1/2
- Accreditation status:
- Accredited
- Specification codes:
- 1PH0
- Availability:
- UK and international
- First teaching:
- 2016
- First assessment:
- 2018
GCSE Sciences 2016: What's changing
These changes will apply to all awarding organisations’ specifications:
● From September 2016, there are 4 GCSE qualifications in science that students can take:
| GCSE (9-1) Biology |
|
| GCSE (9–1) Chemistry | GCSE (9-1) Combined Science (Double Award) |
| GCSE (9–1) Physics |
- There will no longer be a single GCSE Science qualification.
- There will be a new 9–1 grading system, replacing A*–G:
- Foundation tier will cover grades 1–5
- Higher tier will cover grades 4-9.
- There are no controlled assessments in the new qualifications. Ofqual will announce how practical skills will be assessed soon.
- Questions assessing students’ use of mathematical skills will make up 15% of the assessments. There will also be some recall of equations required in physics.
- Specifications will include new content, in line with subject criteria outlined by the Department for Education.
Our approach
We want to make sure our GCSE Sciences for 2016 are shaped by you, for your students, to help them achieve their best. That’s why we’re working with hundreds of teachers and the science education community to design our brand new qualifications.
Our aim: to create courses that will help your students engage with the fundamentals of science and fulfil their potential.
Stay informed
For more information as we develop this qualification, sign up for emails or follow us on Twitter to make sure you’re up to date with the latest news.
Teaching support
We'll provide extensive support for you to plan, teach and assess GCSE (9-1) Science successfully, and opportunities for training and development.
Whatever guidance you're looking for, we're here to help.
Ask your subject advisor
