GCSE The Sciences
The Sciences (Double Award) asks learners to research and evaluate scientific information, including how the media shapes public views, to write balanced answers on ethical and environmental issues, and to write up two scientific enquiries alone under high control using precise terminology. Its numeracy demand is high across six examinations and Unit 7: equations with SI units, chemical calculations, percentages, significant figures, graphs and gradients, sampling, probability in genetics and decay, and payback costs, with standard form, rearranging equations and y = mx + c at higher tier. The single biggest thing Key Stage 3 should build is fluent, well set out calculation from practical data: correct units, substitution into equations, means and graphs, explained in precise scientific language.
- First taught
- September 2026
- Amount of literacy work
- Medium
- Amount of numeracy work
- High
- Specification
- Open the WJEC specification (PDF)
How this GCSE is assessed
- Unit 1: Biology, Basis of Life: Written examination (tiered), 1 hour 15 minutes, 56 marks, 14.3%
- Unit 2: Chemistry, Chemical Substances and How They Behave: Written examination (tiered), 1 hour 15 minutes, 56 marks, 14.3%
- Unit 3: Physics, Forces, Motion and the Universe: Written examination (tiered), 1 hour 15 minutes, 56 marks, 14.3%
- Unit 4: Biology, Continuity of Life: Written examination (tiered), 1 hour 15 minutes, 64 marks, 15.7%
- Unit 5: Chemistry, Chemical Bonding, Reactions and Resources: Written examination (tiered), 1 hour 15 minutes, 64 marks, 15.7%
- Unit 6: Physics, Waves, Electricity and Energy: Written examination (tiered), 1 hour 15 minutes, 64 marks, 15.7%
- Unit 7: Scientific Enquiry: Two enquiries from a choice of three, each a practical task (1 hour) and a written task (1 hour), 28 marks each (56 marks), externally marked by WJEC, 10%
Skills that use Measurement
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Substituting into and rearranging equations
Learners use many equations, including speed, acceleration, weight, force, wave speed, power, current, work done and energy stores, with correct units. Changing the subject of an equation and y = mx + c are higher tier only, and the Unit 3 and Unit 6 papers print the equations on page 2 (page 66).
Numeracy: Communicating with symbols, Strategic competence, Measurement, Calculation
Getting pupils ready
- Year 7
- Pupils calculate the speed of a paper helicopter falling 2 m, writing the equation, the substitution and the answer with units on separate lines.
- Year 8
- Pupils measure current and voltage for a lamp and calculate resistance = voltage ÷ current, checking every value is in volts, amps or ohms.
- Year 9
- Pupils rearrange speed = distance ÷ time and weight = mass x gravitational field strength, first with a formula triangle and then algebraically, to find distance and mass.
Show the specification wording and the LNF statements
Where it is in the specification: Appendix D, Mathematical Skills, page 78
“Substitute numerical values into algebraic equations and solve them using appropriate units for physical quantities”
Progression step 3
I can communicate my answers using correct mathematical form.
I can use appropriate notation, symbols and units of measurement.
I can recognise, model and apply the underlying mathematical structures and ideas within problems, in order to formulate and solve them.
Progression step 4
I can demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between a formula representing a measurement and the units used.
I can use the order of operations including brackets and powers.
I can use appropriate notation, symbols and units of measurement, including compound measures.
Progression step 5
I can communicate my answers using correct mathematical form.
I can use appropriate notation, symbols and units of measurement, including compound measures.
I can recognise, model and apply the underlying mathematical structures and ideas within problems, in order to formulate and solve them.
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Working with SI units, prefixes and measurement
Learners must recognise and use SI units and prefixes, convert units and use compound measures such as m/s, m/s² and kWh. They investigate mean acceleration practically (Section 3.1.1, page 30) and need to understand the resolution of instruments (Appendix C).
Numeracy: Measurement, The number system, Communicating with symbols
Getting pupils ready
- Year 7
- Pupils measure leaf lengths with a ruler, record them in mm and in cm, and convert between the two.
- Year 8
- Pupils time a trolley down a ramp, convert the distance from cm to m, and give its speed in m/s.
- Year 9
- Pupils convert between mA and A and between kW and W in circuit and power questions, and state the resolution of the ammeter and stopwatch they used.
Show the specification wording and the LNF statements
Where it is in the specification: Appendix D, Mathematical Skills, page 78
“Recognise and use SI units and prefixes”
Progression step 3
I can read and interpret scales or divisions on a range of measuring instruments.
I can record measurements in different ways, e.g. 1.3kg = 1kg 300g, 4.2cm = 4cm 2mm.
I can convert metric units of length to smaller units, e.g. cm to mm, m to cm, km to m.
Progression step 4
I can represent and use compound measures, using standard units.
I can read and interpret scales on a range of measuring instruments.
I can use the common units of measure, convert between related units of the metric system and carry out calculations.
Progression step 5
I can understand and use a variety of compound measures.
I can recognise and define limitations on accuracy of measurements, e.g. upper and lower bounds.
I can use appropriate notation, symbols and units of measurement, including compound measures.
Good to know
- Unit 7 has two enquiries. In each, Task 2 (22 marks) is written alone: 'Learners must work independently in high controlled conditions'. In Task 1 (6 marks) 'Learners may work in groups of no more than three' (page 64).
- Exam aids are provided: 'Unit 3 and Unit 6 will include equations on page 2 of the examination question paper', and Units 2 and 5 include a periodic table on the final page (page 66).
- Higher tier only mathematics is shown in bold in Appendix D (page 78): standard form, changing the subject of an equation, y = mx + c, and the gradient, slope and intercept of a linear graph. Converting grams to moles (page 22), calculating rate from a straight line (page 25), acceleration from the gradient of a speed-time graph (page 30) and reacting masses (page 52) are also higher tier content.
- The uncertainty formula is provided: 'There is a formula to calculate this which you will be given in an exam' (Appendix C, page 76).
- AO3, 'Analyse, interpret and evaluate scientific information, processes, techniques and procedures', carries 25% of the marks in each unit (page 66).
- The specification awards no separate marks for spelling, punctuation and grammar and makes no statement about calculator use.
Links with other GCSEs
The Appendix D mathematics overlaps closely with GCSE Mathematics and Numeracy, the scientific enquiry demands match GCSE Integrated Science, and the climate and sampling work overlaps with Geography.
Source: WJEC GCSE The Sciences (Double Award) specification, teaching from 2026, for award from 2028, © WJEC CBAC Ltd 2025.