Introducing our

Accessible papers : Unbeatable support

GCSE (9 –1)

Science qualifications

Why choose Edexcel GCSE (9–1) Science?

Use this guide for a quick overview of our specifications and assessments, as well as the high quality resources available to support the teaching and learning of GCSE science.

We’re here to support you every step of the way …Our specifications ......................................................... pg 4-7

Accessible assessments with a familiar approach for every paper ............................................................... pg 8

Unrivalled free support to help you track your students’ progress and understand their results ....... pg 8

A flexible range of resources so you can select the best approach for all of your students .................. pg 9

Underpin your GCSE teaching with our co-teachable Entry Level Certificates for your lower attainers ........ pg 10

Free collaborative hub events delivered by Edexcel science specialists ......................................... pg 11

Switching to Pearson Edexcel from another exam board?

Sign up for one of our ‘New to Edexcel’ online events where we’ll guide you through everything you need to know.

See more on page 11

Science matters. That’s why we’ve built the most inclusive GCSE (9–1) courses, so every student can enjoy science and succeed in their studies.

Our specifications are straightforward, and our selection of core practicals are designed to help bring science learning to life. And when it comes to our assessments, we’re committed to ensuring they are as accessible as possible, to give all students the chance to demonstrate what they know and can do.

As part of our ongoing commitment to you and your students, we’ve also welcomed Nigel English to the Pearson team as our new Overarching Chair of Science qualifications to make sure we continue to develop our accessible approach even further.

We recognise that every student has different needs. With a clear link between our Entry Level Certificates, GCSE Combined Sciences and Separate Sciences, you can structure the courses in the ways that mean you can best support and stretch your students together.

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All papers are available at foundation and higher tier. Foundation tier papers are for candidates aiming at grades 1-5. Higher tier papers are for candidates aiming at grades 4–9 (there is an allowed grade 3 for those candidates who just miss the pass mark for the qualification).

Refer to our exams guide to find out more about how we design our question papers, our approach to accessibility and to see lots of examples of questions.

Understanding our examsGCSE (9–1) ScienceA guide to our clear and consistent approach to writing exams

X729 Edexcel Science Understanding our exams.indd 1

8/14/18 10:10 AM

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Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9-1) in Biology Specification – Issue 3 – February 2018 © Pearson Education Limited 2018

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Topics for Paper 2

Topic 6 – Plant structures and their functions

Students should: Maths skills

6.1 Describe photosynthetic organisms as the main producers of food and therefore biomass

6.2 Describe photosynthesis in plants and algae as an endothermic reaction that uses light energy to react carbon dioxide and water to produce glucose and oxygen

6.3 Explain the effect of temperature, light intensity and carbon dioxide concentration as limiting factors on the rate of photosynthesis

2c, 2d, 2g

4a, 4c

6.4 Explain the interactions of temperature, light intensity and carbon dioxide concentration in limiting the rate of photosynthesis

4b, 4c, 4d

6.5 Core Practical: Investigate the effect of light intensity on the rate of photosynthesis

2c, 2f, 2g

4a, 4c

6.6 Explain how the rate of photosynthesis is directly proportional to light intensity and inversely proportional to the distance from a light source, including the use of the inverse square law calculation

2g

3a

4a, 4b, 4c, 4d

6.7 Explain how the structure of the root hair cells is adapted to absorb water and mineral ions

6.8 Explain how the structures of the xylem and phloem are adapted to their function in the plant, including:

a lignified dead cells in xylem transporting water and minerals through the plant

b living cells in phloem using energy to transport sucrose around the plant

6.9 Explain how water and mineral ions are transported through the plant by transpiration, including the structure and function of the stomata

6.10 Describe how sucrose is transported around the plant by translocation

6.11B Explain how the structure of a leaf is adapted for photosynthesis and gas exchange

2d

5c

6.12 Explain the effect of environmental factors on the rate of water uptake by a plant, to include light intensity, air movement and temperature

1a, 1c

2b, 2c

4a, 4b, 4c, 4d

6.13 Demonstrate an understanding of rate calculations for transpiration

1a, 1c

2b, 2c

4a, 4b, 4c, 4d

Clear command words

Higher tier marked in bold

Clear indication of separate science content

Maths opportunities highlighted

Core practicals embedded in content

Our qualifications offer you clear and straightforward content that develops knowledge and understanding in contexts that are relatable for your students.

Our four specifications in GCSE Combined Science, GCSE Biology, GCSE Chemistry and GCSE Physics are all laid out in the same way, with clear links to core practicals and mathematical skills throughout.

Our specificationsOur mission is to ensure our papers are as accessible as possible to allow every student to demonstrate what they know and can do.

The simple design of our papers is something we have worked hard to develop and perfect over the last ten years. This style is replicated every year so students are familiar with our approach to asking questions, using command words, and the slow ramping of difficulty within a question and across every paper.

Our assessments

Content overview

We have designed our specifications to help illustrate key features clearly, such as where there is additional content only assessed in separate sciences, and how maths and core practicals are embedded into the specification. Every specification point always starts with a command word, so you know the level of depth and detail required for each section of content.

This extract from our biology specification shows how all these details are laid out:

GCSE Combined Science GCSE Biology GCSE Chemistry GCSE Physics

Assessments 2 biology papers

2 chemistry papers

2 physics papers

Each paper:

60 marks 1hr 10 mins

GCSE Biology: 2 papers

GCSE Chemistry: 2 papers

GCSE Physics: 2 papers

Each paper:

100 marks 1hr 45 mins

Question types multiple-choice questions, scaffolded and short answer questions, calculations, and extended open response questions

How is content split across the papers?

Papers are split according to topic, with half the content for each discipline in one paper (e.g. Biology 1) and half the content in the second paper (e.g. Biology 2).

The first topic in each specification lists key ideas that may be assessed in both paper 1 and paper 2. These are either fundamental ideas of the science, e.g. cells in Biology or atomic structure and bonding in Chemistry, or skills, e.g. handling units in Physics.

The table below shows how we have structured our assessments in GCSE Combined Science and the separate sciences GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Our approach to core practicalsWe’ve integrated our core practicals into the main specification content so you can see exactly how these investigations can be included alongside the content to bring theoretical learning to life.

Download our free Core Practical Guide designed to help you deliver every core practical in the course including:

Teaching and learning ideas

Exam style questions linked to each core practical

Teacher and student worksheets for all practicals.

Practical assessment (15% of marks in exams)

We have 8 core practicals in each separate science GCSE, and 18 in Combined Science.

Core PracticalGuide

GCSE (9-1) Sciences Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9-1) Sciences

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The table below shows the topics that are assessed in each paper in biology. Within each topic, there is some content that is common to combined science, and some content that goes into extra depth that is only assessed if a student is taking the separate biology GCSE.

GCSE Biology/Combined Science

There is one topic that is assessed across both papers, ‘Key concepts in Biology’. This topic covers fundamental concepts in biology such as cells which will be drawn upon in other topics, for example this could be included as part of a question on photosynthesis where a candidate would need to understand cells in paper 2, but also in cells and control or genetics in paper 1.

Paper 1 Paper 2

Key Concepts in Biology Key Concepts in Biology

Cells and Control Plant structures and their functions

Genetics Animal coordination, control and homeostasis

Natural selection and genetic modification Exchange and transport in animals

Health, disease and development of medicines Ecosystems and material cycles

The table below shows the topics that are assessed in each paper in chemistry.

GCSE Chemistry/Combined Science

The first four topics in each paper are common to combined science, and the final topic in each paper is separate science content only. The ‘Key concepts in Chemistry’ cover aspects such as atomic structure, which is fundamental knowledge for chemistry and so could be assessed in both papers within the context of the other topics e.g. atomic structure in fuels and hydrocarbons in paper 2, but also understanding activity of acids in chemical changes in paper 1.

Paper 1 Paper 2

Key concepts in Chemistry Key concepts in Chemistry

States of matter and mixtures Groups in the periodic table

Chemical changes (acids and electrolytic processes) Rates of reaction and energy changes

Extracting metals and equilibria Fuels and Earth science

*Separate chemistry 1(transition metals, quantitative analysis, dynamic equilibria, chemical cells and fuel cells)

*Separate chemistry 2(Qualitative analysis, hydrocarbons, polymers, alcohols and carboxylic acids, bulk and surface properties of matter including nanoparticles)

The table below shows the topics that are assessed in each paper in physics.

GCSE Physics/Combined Science

Paper 1 Paper 2

Key concepts in Physics Key concepts in Physics

Motion and forces Energy – forces doing work

Conservation of energy Forces and their effects

Waves Electricity and circuits

Light and electromagnetic spectrum Static electricity*

Radioactivity Magnetism and the motor effect

Astronomy* Electromagnetic induction

Particle model

Forces and matter

Within each topic, there is some content that is common to combined science, and some content that is separate science only. Two topics are only covered if you are teaching separate GCSE Physics only - Astronomy in paper 1, and Static electricity in paper 2.

The ‘Key concepts in Physics’ cover fundamental skills that will be woven throughout the topics, such as being able to convert between units, or using significant figures.

*separate science topics only

We are committed to ensuring our assessments are as accessible as possible, with clear language, a simple layout and consistent use of command words so your students can focus on showing us what they know and can do.

As a Pearson Edexcel centre you’ll be able to take advantage of our comprehensive assessment practice. Use our three sets of secure sample exam papers to familiarise your students with the structure of the papers, and track their progress.

1. A full set of sample papers available now

2. A new set of sample papers available December 2018

3. Additional set of sample papers available December 2019

Accessible assessments with a familiar approach for every paper

We understand how important it is to be able to adapt your teaching for every kind of student in your classroom. That's why we have put together a range of free and paid for resources which cater for the needs of all your students from stretching and challenging your higher attainers to supporting and engaging your lower attainers.

Free interactive Scheme of Work allowing you to organise topics in the best way for your students, and give you access to differentiated lesson plans and resources.

Schemes of work and detailed mapping guidance so you can see exactly how to adapt your lessons if you are considering moving from another awarding organisation.

Bespoke qualification guides giving you more information about our assessments, teaching maths in science and engaging with our core practicals.

Fully aligned published resources* to support you in teaching the KS3 and KS4 courses, including our hugely popular ActiveLearn which brings together all your planning, teaching, homework and assessment across one time-saving digital service.

Visit our website www.pearsonschools.co.uk/gcsescience to get instant access to two terms' worth of free resources including everything you need to teach the course for the first 60 lessons.

A flexible range of resources so you can select the best approach for all of your students

Make the most of our free Access to Scripts service to see your candidates’ marked exam papers for all scripts that have been marked online. You can also use it to help plan future revision lessons, or throughout your teaching to give real life examples of answers to your students. Full details are available on our website at quals.pearson.com/ATS2018, along with FAQs and a step-by-step.

Sign up to our free Pearson Progression service, which includes free assessments to track your students’ progress throughout the course. Link these outcomes to indicative 9-1 grades, and map out next steps and key learning objectives using the progression maps.

Use our ResultsPlus results analysis tool to see exactly where your students have performed well, and where they need extra support. Each question part is linked to a specification statement to make targeted revision easy using our mock analysis service.

Access our detailed examiner reports and online feedback sessions from Summer 2018 papers to gain insight into how students have performed in key areas such as practical and maths skills.

Unrivalled free support to help you track your students’ progress and understand their results

Visit quals.pearson.com/gcsescienceswitch

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Screenshot showing GCSE Combined Science Support Edition 2Yr interactive SOW

*Pearson’s paid for resources are not a prerequisite for the delivery of Edexcel specifications.

Underpin your GCSE teaching with our co-teachable Entry Level Certificates for your lower attainers

We run a number of free events throughout the year where our science specialists share insights from the performance of 195,000 students who sit each GCSE (9-1) Science summer exam series.

Come to our regular hub events and ask us anything about the qualification, assessment or support materials.

Hear practical hints and tips from our specialists to support the teaching and learning in your classroom.

Network with other teachers in your area and share ideas on key aspects such as practical skills, stretching and challenging your students, and using feedback from Summer 2018 exam papers.

This term, we will be giving you feedback from the Summer 2018 exam series. Sign up for your nearest event at quals.pearson.com/gcsescienceswitch

Free collaborative hub events delivered by Edexcel science specialists

Entry Level Certificate in Further ScienceSpecifi cationPearson Edexcel Entry Level Certifi cate in Further Science (NSF0)First certifi cation from June 2018 Issue 1

Entry Level Certificate in ScienceSpecificationPearson Edexcel Entry Level Certificate in Science (NSC0)First certification from June 2017 Issue 1

Learn more at quals.pearson.com/ELCscienceswitch

Our Entry Level Certificates (ELC) are carefully designed to be co-taught with GCSE Combined Science, with the same topic structure, content and assessment layout for both qualifications. Use the ELC written tests whenever you finish teaching a section of content, and use these to track how your students are progressing through the course. You can then decide whether to enter them for GCSE, ELC or both.

Support your lower attaining students using our bespoke free schemes of work and our dedicated GCSE published resources* which cover ELC content alongside GCSE foundation tier, and are specifically designed to support engagement, literacy and recall using our Combined Science Support edition*.

Switching to Pearson Edexcel from another exam board?

Sign up for one of our online 'New to Edexcel' events designed for teachers switching to Pearson Edexcel or delivering the Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Sciences specification for the first time.

We will cover:

The structure and content of the Pearson Edexcel specification, using detailed mapping grids to keep the best from your current course and minimise change

CPD on maths and practical skills including how to ensure your practical provision matches the Pearson Edexcel Core Practicals

Detailed guidance on our question papers, mark schemes and exams analysis tools

The unrivalled support available to you throughout the qualification.

Each event can count as 2 hours of CPD and gives you the opportunity to network, discuss best practice and share ideas with other teachers.

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Qualifications at a glance

QualificationGCSE content

ELC Paper No. Paper Name Contents

Entry Level Certificate in Science

B11 Biology 1A Cells, genetics, inheritance and modification

2 Biology 1B Health, disease and the development of medicines

C13 Chemistry 1A Atoms, compounds and states of matter

4 Chemistry 1B Separating mixtures, breaking down substances

P15 Physics 1A Forces, movement and energy

6 Physics 1B Waves and radiation

Assessment Each Paper 25 marks No set time limit

QualificationGCSE content

ELC Paper No. Paper Name Contents

Entry Level Certificate in Further Science

B21 Biology 2A Plants and ecosystems

2 Biology 2B Human biology

C23 Chemistry 2A Chemical reactions: patterns, energy and rates of reaction

4 Chemistry 2B Chemistry in our world: fuels and the earth’s atmosphere

P25 Physics 2A Electricity and magnets

6 Physics 2B Energy and particles

Assessment Each Paper 25 marks No set time limit

*Pearson’s paid for resources are not a prerequisite for the delivery of Edexcel specifications.

Next steps …

Pearson Education Ltd is committed to reducing its impact on the environment by using responsibly sourced and recycled paper. Y167

Images: ©hunthomas.Original origami artwork: Mark Bolitho.

Origami photography: Justin Hoffman, Pearson Education Ltd.

If you’ve seen enough and definitely want to make the transition to Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Science, then let us know by completing our online ‘Intention to Offer’ form. This will help us to fully support you with a Welcome Pack containing printed copies of our four specifications, a selection of our summer 2018 exam papers and more.

Go to quals.pearson.com/gcsescienceswitch

Tell us you're teaching

Our science experts are on hand to answer any questions you may have about the Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Sciences course and how it could work for you and your students.

Give us a call on 020 7010 2190

Get in touch

Follow our Subject Advisors, Stephen Nugus and Irine Muhiuddin, on Twitter @PearsonSciences and sign up for the latest Science news and updates at TeachingScience@pearson.com

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