Following feedback from teachers and our examiners, we have published a new mathematical skills handbook for the following qualifications:

GCSE Gateway Science Suite

• Biology A J247
• Chemistry A J248
• Physics A J249
• Combined Science A J250

GCSE Twenty First Century Suite

• Biology B J257
• Chemistry B J258
• Physics B J259
• Combined Science B J260

This new resource provides clear explanations of the mathematical skills required across GCSE sciences, including those highlighted as areas for improvement in our examiner reports. It has an improved structure, with worked examples from past exam questions embedded alongside clear teaching strategies to support classroom practice.

You can view and download the new mathematical skills handbook from the Planning and Teaching > Handbooks section of the GCSE science qualification pages on our website.

The handbook is also available on the Teaching > Teaching delivery > Delivery core skills section on Teach Cambridge.

If you have any queries about this update, please call our Customer Support Centre on 01223 553998 or email support@ocr.org.uk.

Qualifications

• Gateway Science Suite - Biology A (9-1) - J247 (from 2016)
• Gateway Science Suite - Chemistry A (9-1) - J248 (from 2016)
• Gateway Science Suite - Physics A (9-1) - J249 (from 2016)
• Gateway Science Suite - Combined Science A (9-1) - J250 (from 2016)
• Twenty First Century Science Suite - Biology B (9-1) - J257 (from 2016)
• Twenty First Century Science Suite - Chemistry B (9-1) - J258 (from 2016)
• Twenty First Century Science Suite - Physics B (9-1) - J259 (from 2016)
• Twenty First Century Science Suite - Combined Science B (9-1) - J260 (from 2016)