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Overview

This Additional Applied Science specification is part of the linked Twenty First Century Science Suite of specifications: Science A, Additional Science A, Additional Applied Science A, Biology A, Chemistry A and Physics A. This linked suite allows Centres maximum flexibility in the delivery of GCSE courses in Science and the separate Sciences.

The content of this suite is based on a project devised by the University of York Science Education Group (UYSEG) as part of a QCA project on Science in the 21st Century.

Centres piloting GCSE Science, GCSE Additional Science and GCSE Additional Applied Science have helped the development of this specification. OCR is the only awarding body to have piloted any of the new GCSE Sciences.

GCSE Additional Applied Science A is a course which meets the needs of students who wish to develop their scientific understanding through authentic, work-related contexts. The course focuses on procedural and technical knowledge that underpins the work of practitioners of science and gives students an insight into what is involved in being a practitioner of science.

This specification, together with GCSE Science A (J630), aims to provide candidates with the scientific understanding needed to progress to further studies of science, should they choose to undertake them. It offers the perspective of the practitioner by focussing on practical competencies in contexts where the results clearly matter.

• It is pre-vocational in the sense that candidates will explore how science underpins a range of science-related work places.
• It builds upon and develops the range of the GCSE Science A modules by exploring the ways in which science is applied to the areas of activity.

There is a choice of modules. The specification comprises six teaching modules and candidates take three of them. Each module is assessed by a written paper, worth 16.7% of the total GCSE marks. The papers use structured questions to assess knowledge and understanding of the specification content, and application of that knowledge and understanding. The fourth Unit (50%) comprises a portfolio of work related tasks, assessed by teachers, internally standardised and then externally moderated by OCR.

Candidates taking GCSE Science with GCSE Additional Applied Science (or Additional Science), or GCSE Biology, GCSE Chemistry and GCSE Physics, will have the experience necessary to progress to appropriate level 3 qualifications.

This suite is supported by The Nuffield Curriculum Centre and The University of York Science Education Group.