OCR’s GCSE Science A (Gateway) counts as two GCSEs and covers Biology, Chemistry and Physics, plus practical skills. You’ll take either all Foundation tier papers or all Higher tier papers - you can’t mix tiers.
📑 How Many Papers Are There?
For OCR Science A (Gateway), you will sit 6 exam papers in total:
🧬 Biology – 2 papers
🧪 Chemistry – 2 papers
⚡ Physics – 2 papers
Each subject is split into Paper 1 and Paper 2, covering different topics.
👉 Foundation and Higher tiers study the same topics, but:
Higher tier goes into more depth
Higher includes more complex explanations, maths and application questions
🧪 Common Features Across All Papers
Practical skills (CS7) are assessed in all exams
Data analysis, evaluation and calculations are integrated
Later papers assume knowledge from earlier topics
All papers contribute equally to the final Combined Science grade
B1: Cell-level systems
B2: Scaling up
B3: Organism-level systems
Nervous system and reflexes
❓Question Types:
Multiple-choice questions (recall of cell structures, diffusion, enzyme function)
Short-answer questions (e.g., describe osmosis, name organ systems)
Structured questions (multi-part on digestion, circulation, nervous system)
Data interpretation (graphs on enzyme activity, heart rate tables)
Math-based questions (calculating surface area-to-volume ratios)
Practical-based questions (variables in osmosis experiments, accuracy improvements)
B4: Community-level systems
B5: Genes, inheritance and selection
B6: Global challenges
❓Question Types:
Multiple-choice questions (ecosystem terms, inheritance patterns)
Extended response questions (6-mark: explain natural selection or biodiversity importance)
Data analysis (population graphs, genetic cross tables)
Synoptic questions (linking genetics to global challenges)
Practical-based questions (sampling methods, evaluating fieldwork)
⏰Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes
🏆Marks: 60 marks (16.7% of total grade)
📌Content: for both foundation and higher papers.
C1: Particles
C2: Elements, compounds and mixtures
C3: Chemical reactions
❓Question Types:
Multiple-choice questions (states of matter, bonding types)
Symbol equation questions (write and balance equations)
Calculation questions (relative formula mass, energy changes)
Structured questions (bonding diagrams, particle models)
Practical-based questions (accuracy in separation techniques)
📑 Paper 2: Chemistry
⏰Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes
🏆Marks: 60 marks (16.7% of total grade)
📌Content: for both foundation and higher papers.
C4: Predicting and identifying reactions
C5: Monitoring and controlling reactions
C6: Global challenges
❓Question Types:
Multiple-choice questions (reactivity series, tests for ions)
Extended response questions (evaluate sustainable chemistry methods)
Calculation questions (rates of reaction, equilibrium)
Data interpretation (graphs of reaction rates)
Synoptic questions (linking chemical reactions to global challenges)
Practical-based questions (designing experiments for rate of reaction)
📑 Paper 1: Physics
⏰Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes
🏆Marks: 60 marks (16.7% of total grade)
📌Content: for both foundation and higher papers.
P1: Matter
P2: Forces
P3: Electricity and magnetism
❓Question Types:
Multiple-choice questions (density, forces, circuit symbols)
Calculation questions (speed, pressure, resistance)
Graph interpretation (motion graphs)
Structured questions (force diagrams, circuit analysis)
Practical-based questions (accuracy in measuring density)
📑 Paper 2: Physics
⏰Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes
🏆Marks: 60 marks (16.7% of total grade)
📌Content: for both foundation and higher papers.
P4: Waves and radioactivity
P5: Energy
P6: Global challenges
Space physics (solar system, satellites)
Climate and energy demands
❓Question Types:
Multiple-choice questions (wave properties, energy resources)
Extended response questions (evaluate renewable energy sources)
Calculation questions (wave speed, efficiency)
Data interpretation (radioactive decay graphs)
Synoptic questions (energy transfer linked to global challenges)
Practical-based questions (designing wave experiments)
✨Here are some top tips to make your revision more effective:
1. Know the Specification Topics 📋
Make sure you revise every topic, even ones you find tricky. Not all topics appear equally, but anything can come up!
2. Practise Past Paper Questions 📝
Doing exam-style questions helps you learn:
How questions are worded
What examiners are looking for
How to manage your time
You will find the links to past papers on this page!
3. Revise Required Practicals 🔬
You don’t need to memorise full write-ups, but you do need to understand:
Methods
Variables
How to improve accuracy
How to analyse results
4. Build Your Maths Confidence ➗
GCSE science includes maths like:
Rearranging equations
Drawing and interpreting graphs
Percentages and ratios
Regular practice makes a huge difference!
5. Use Active Revision Techniques 🧠
Try methods that make you think, not just read:
Flashcards
Teaching someone else
Self-quizzing
Timed questions
6. Use Smart Exam Technique ⏱️
Read questions carefully
Highlight command words
Show workings in calculations
Check units and labels
If you’re stuck, move on and come back
🎉 Final Thought
Six papers might sound like a lot, but with steady revision, practice questions and confidence, you can absolutely smash OCR Gateway Combined Science A 💪
You’ve got this! 🚀
