Changes for 2022
Following an Ofqual consultation, we have made changes to the assessment of a number of our qualifications.
The changes are designed to reduce the pressure on teachers and students in the 2021/22 academic year, and to safeguard against ongoing public health concerns.
Please use the specification alongside this page which shows how our qualifications will differ in summer 2022.
Overview of changes for GCSE (9–1) Science
Ofqual have confirmed that students taking GCSE Science in summer 2022 are allowed to watch demonstrations and/or simulations and/or videos to cover the required apparatus and techniques if they are unable to carry out practical science activities.
- Advance information will be provided about the content of the written examinations. This will be released no later than 7 February.
- There is still a requirement for students to learn the skills and techniques related to practical activities
(at least eight activities for each of biology, chemistry and physics, at least 16 activities for combined science).
- If students are unable to carry out practical science activities, they are able to watch a teacher demonstration or a video or use a simulation.
- A minimum of 15% of the marks on the assessment will still test the apparatus and techniques covered by the practical activity groups (PAGs).
- A revised equation sheet, showing all relevant physics equations for GCSE Physics and GCSE Combined Science assessments, will be provided for assessments.
- All assessments remain the same.
- The NEA centre declaration for is not required for 2022.
Data sheet
In the 2022 exams, students will be given an expanded data sheet alongside each of their question papers. the data sheet includes all the physics equations in the specification.
You can view and download the data sheets below. Teachers can use the data sheet in teaching and mock assessments now, to make sure students are familiar with it prior to the exams. Students will get a clean printed copy in each exam.
Advance information
To help students prepare, advance information will be provided about the content of the written examinations. This will be released no later than 7 February.
Contact us
You can contact us by email science@ocr.org.uk, Twitter @OCR_Science or call on 01223 553998.