By Mark Cullen
Gateway Science Combined Science A J250
Students have the opportunity to undertake the OCR (9-1) Gateway Science Combined Science A J250 qualification. This comprehensive programme is designed to engage students in scientific inquiry and knowledge, equipping them with a solid foundation in both biological and physical sciences, essential for further academic pursuits.
Inclusivity and equal opportunities are paramount. By offering the same qualifications as mainstream schools, our students are afforded the opportunity to achieve recognised academic credentials, essential for future educational and employment pathways.
Engagement and motivation represent another key advantage. The OCR Gateway Science Combined Science A course is designed to be engaging and accessible, emphasising real-world applications of science. This practical approach can significantly motivate SEMH students, who often find conventional academic practices less appealing, thus encouraging active participation.
Moreover, the successful completion of a recognised qualification can enhance students' confidence and self-esteem. Many of our students have experience repeated academic setbacks; therefore, achieving a qualification may serve as a transformative experience, illustrating their capabilities and potential.
The course promotes holistic development by incorporating scientific knowledge alongside critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills. These competencies are vital for our students, assisting them in managing their emotions, improving social interactions, and fostering resilience.
Additionally, this qualification serves as a gateway to further education and employment. It can pave the way for A-levels, vocational courses, or apprenticeships, offering SEMH students valuable opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
- Topic B1: Cell level systems
- Topic B2: Scaling up
- Topic B3: Organism level systems
- Topic B4: Community level systems
- Topic B5: Genes, inheritance and selection
- Topic B6: Global challenges
- Topic C1: Particles
- Topic C2: Elements, compounds and mixtures
- Topic C3: Chemical reactionsobal challenges
- Topic C4: Predicting and identifying reactions and products
- Topic C5: Monitoring and controlling chemical reactions
- Topic C6: Global challenges
- Topic P1: Matter
- Topic P2: Forces
- Topic P3: Electricity and magnetism
- Topic P4: Waves and radioactivity
- Topic P5: Energy
- Topic P6: Global challenges
- Topic CS7: Practical skills (throughout the course)
- The GCSE (9–1) in Combined Science A (Gateway Science) is a linear qualification with 100% external assessment.
- OCR’s GCSE (9–1) in Combined Science A (Gateway Science) consists of twelve examined papers that are externally assessed. Six are at Foundation Tier and six are at Higher Tier.
- Learners are entered for the Foundation Tier or the Higher Tier. Each paper carries an equal weighting of 16.7% for that tier of the GCSE (9–1) qualification. Each paper has a duration of 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Combined Science Paper 1 and Paper 7 – Biology
These papers, one at Foundation Tier and one at Higher Tier, are each worth 60 marks, are split into two sections and assess content from Topics B1 to B3 and Topic CS7 (PAGs B1-B5). Section A contains multiple choice questions. This section of the paper is worth 10 marks. Section B includes short answer question styles (practical, maths, structured questions) and an extended six-mark Level of Response question. This section of the paper is worth 50 marks.
Combined Science Paper 2 and Paper 8 – Biology
These papers, one at Foundation Tier and one at Higher Tier, are each worth 60 marks, are split into two sections and assess content from Topics B4 to B6, with assumed knowledge of Topics B1 to B3 and Topic CS7 (PAGs B1-B5). Section A contains multiple choice questions. This section of the paper is worth 10 marks. Section B includes short answer question styles (practical, maths, synoptic questions, structured questions) and an extended six-mark Level of Response question. This section of the paper is worth 50 marks, some of which will be synoptic.
Combined Science Paper 3 and Paper 9 – Chemistry
These papers, one at Foundation Tier and one at Higher Tier, are each worth 60 marks, are split into two sections and assess content from Topics C1 to C3 and Topic CS7 (PAGs C1-C5). Section A contains multiple choice questions. This section of the paper is worth 10 marks. Section B includes short answer question styles (practical, maths, structured questions) and an extended six-mark Level of Response question. This section of the paper is worth 50 marks
Combined Science Paper 4 and Paper 10 – Chemistry
These papers, one at Foundation Tier and one at Higher Tier, are each worth 60 marks, are split into two sections and assess content from Topics C4 to C6, with assumed knowledge of Topics C1 to C3 and Topic CS7 (PAGs C1-C5). Section A contains multiple choice questions. This section of the paper is worth 10 marks. Section B includes short answer question styles (practical, maths, synoptic questions, structured questions) and an extended six-mark Level of Response question. This section of the paper is worth 50 marks, some of which will be synoptic.
Combined Science Paper 5 and Paper 11 – Physic
These papers, one at Foundation Tier and one at Higher Tier, are each worth 60 marks, are split into two sections and assess content from Topics P1 to P3 and Topic CS7 (PAGs P1-P6). Section A contains multiple choice questions. This section of the paper is worth 10 marks. Section B includes short answer question styles (practical, maths, structured questions) and an extended six-mark Level of Response question. This section of the paper is worth 50 marks.
Combined Science Paper 6 and Paper 12 – Physics
These papers, one at Foundation Tier and one at Higher Tier, are each worth 60 marks, are split into two sections and assess content from Topics P4 to P6, with assumed knowledge of Topics P1 to P3 and Topic CS7 (PAGs P1-P6). Section A contains multiple choice questions. This section of the paper is worth 10 marks. Section B includes short answer question styles (practical, maths, synoptic questions, structured questions) and an extended six-mark Level of Response question. This section of the paper is worth 50 marks, some of which will be synoptic.
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