The assessment of practical skills, apparatus and techniques forms part of the GCSE (9–1) Science qualifications. Candidates must be provided with practical science opportunities. 

This applies to the following qualifications:

• Biology A (9-1) Gateway Science Suite - J247
• Biology B (9-1) Twenty First Century Science Suite - J257
• Chemistry A (9-1) Gateway Science Suite - J248
• Chemistry B (9-1) Twenty First Century Science Suite - J258
• Physics A (9-1) Gateway Science Suite - J249
• Physics B (9-1) Twenty First Century Science Suite - J259
• Combined Science A (9-1) Gateway Science Suite - J250
• Combined Science B (9-1) Twenty First Century Science Suite - J260

Practical activity groups (PAGs) for each qualification cover the practical requirements and allow centres flexibility in their choice of activity.

All of the Practical activity group resources are available on Teach Cambridge, which we've linked to below:

• Biology A – J247
• Biology B – J257
• Chemistry A – J248
• Chemistry B – J258
• Physics A – J249
• Physics B – J259
• Combined Science A – J250
• Combined Science B – J260

These resources are available as Word documents to allow you to edit the tasks to match your own resources, timetable and staffing. However, centres are free to use any other resources that cover the same skills, apparatus and techniques.

A practical activities tracker spreadsheet is also available, which allows you to track the skills, apparatus and techniques your candidates have experienced. There is no obligation to use this tracker; it is available for internal use only.

As well as the Head of Centre declaration included in the JCQ NCN Annual Update, centres also need to return the OCR NEA Centre Declaration Form to us by 15 May. This form confirms they have taken reasonable steps to ensure each learner has had the opportunity to complete the practical activities as described in the relevant section of each specification.