GCSE Additional Science

GCSE Additional Science builds on the knowledge and understanding that students have gained from GCSE Science. Together, they allow students to progress onto the individual GCE Biology, GCE Chemistry and GCE Physics qualifications and onto higher education.

The course helps students develop their questioning, analytical and evaluative skills alongside core practical skills.

We’ve designed a flexible course structure that can be adapted to suit individual teaching approaches and students’ needs. And our assessment models have been designed to recognise teachers’ professional judgement and support effective teaching and learning.

Course Structure
The course is based on twelve topics:

P2
Topic 9: As Fast as You Can!
Topic 10: Roller-Coasters and Relativity
Topic 11: Putting Radiation to Use
Topic 12: Power of the Atom

C2
Topic 5: Synthesis
Topic 6: In your Element
Topic 7: Chemical Structures
Topic 8: How Fast? How Furious?

B2
Topic 1: Inside Living Cells
Topic 2: Divide and Develop
Topic 3: Energy Flow
Topic 4: Interdependence

Assessment
Internal assessment (40%)
• Assessment activities (30%)
One assessment activity from each of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The assessment activities and mark schemes are prepared by Edexcel to assess the ‘How Science Works’ criteria in context of the specification topics. These are marked by the teacher and externally moderated by Edexcel.
• Practical skills assessment (10%)
Assessed by the teacher and non-moderated.

Further assessment routes (60%)
Choice of two assessments for each of B2 or C2 or P2 from:
• Multiple choice tiered test (available January and June)
• Structured tiered examination paper (available January and June)
• Centre-devised internal assessment.

NB Students can choose different assessment methods for B2, P2 and C2.The assessment model is flexible to allow students to follow any route between these maximum and minimum ranges:

• Maximum external assessment – 60% externally assessed: 40% internally assessed
• Maximum internal assessment – 30% externally assessed: 70% internally assessed.

Teacher support
Edexcel offers a wide range of support materials to assist the teaching and learning of all GCSE Science qualifications.

This includes:
• Launch meetings and implementation events to help teachers prepare for first teaching
• Sample assessment materials
• Resources including lesson plans and endorsed textbooks
• Regular updates on Edexcel website
• Dedicated support phone line
• Support from subject experts.