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 The number system
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Chemical calculations, ratio and percentages
Learners calculate relative formula mass and percentage by mass, and at higher tier convert grams to moles and calculate reacting masses from balanced equations (Section 5.3.3, page 52). Appendix D adds significant figures, order of magnitude calculations and, at higher tier, standard form (page 78).
Numeracy: Calculation, The number system, Fluency, Conceptual understanding, Logical reasoning
Getting pupils ready
- Year 7
- Pupils count the atoms of each element in formulae such as H2O, CO2 and CaCO3 and write the ratio of atoms in its simplest form.
- Year 8
- Pupils heat magnesium ribbon in a crucible, weigh it before and after, and calculate the percentage increase in mass.
- Year 9
- Pupils use a periodic table to calculate the relative formula mass of calcium carbonate and the percentage by mass of calcium, rounding to 3 significant figures.
Show the specification wording and the LNF statements
Where it is in the specification: Unit 2, Section 2.1.6, page 22
“calculate the percentage by mass of each element present in a compound”
Progression step 3
I can calculate a percentage, fraction and decimal of any quantity with a calculator where appropriate.
I can use ratio and proportion to calculate quantities.
I can multiply 2- and 3-digit numbers by a 2-digit number.
Progression step 4
I can express one quantity as a percentage of another.
I can use ratio and proportion including map scales.
I can use and interpret numbers in standard form within calculations.
Progression step 5
I can use a scientific calculator effectively and efficiently to carry out calculations using the available range of function keys.
I can draw on my understanding of the basic structures of mathematics and can apply them in different contexts.
I can explain results and procedures precisely using appropriate mathematical language.
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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.