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Overview

This Chemistry 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 Chemistry A draws on the relevant teaching modules from the GCSE Science (J630) and Additional Science (J631) specifications, with an additional module of further Chemistry content. This course provides an opportunity for further developing an understanding of science explanations, how science works and the study of elements of applied science, with particular relevance to professional scientists.

This specification aims to provide candidates with the scientific understanding needed to progress to further studies of Chemistry, should they choose to undertake them. Candidates should gain an insight into:

• What is involved in being a practitioner of science
• How scientists develop scientific understanding of ourselves and the world we inhabit
• How these understandings can be applied to the benefit of humanity.

Candidates must have a broad understanding of the scientific ideas that provide a conceptual foundation for further studies of science. These are referred to as 'Science Explanations''. Candidates also need to be able to reflect on scientific knowledge itself, the practices that have produced it, the kinds of reasoning that are used in developing a scientific argument, and on the issues that arise when scientific knowledge is put to practical use. These are referred to as 'Ideas about Science' (IaS). This specification provides a combination of these two essential elements.

If Chemistry A is taken alongside Biology A and Physics A, the three courses will cover the KS4 Programme of Study for Science.

This specification comprises seven teaching modules which are assessed through four Units. The first two Units, each worth 16.7% of the total GCSE marks, use objective questions to assess knowledge and understanding of the specification content, and application of that knowledge and understanding. Each paper addresses 3 of the teaching modules. The third Unit, worth 33.3% of the total GCSE marks, uses structured questions to focus on the seventh teaching module, and two selected earlier modules, with the subject made clear by pre-release material. For the final Skills Assessment Unit (33.3%) a choice is available between a practical data analysis and a case study OR a practical investigation. This Unit is assessed by teachers, internally standardised and then externally moderated by OCR.

Candidates taking GCSE Science with GCSE Additional Science (or Additional Applied 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.