How To

Reach The
Top Grade In
Your GCSE
Science
Examination
 What happened to
science results in 2023?
Subject Year % 7+ % 4+
Biology 2023 42.4 89.6

Chemistry 2023 44.0 89.8

Physics 2023 43.4 90.2

Data JCQ
 What happened to
science results in 2023?
Subject Year % 7+ % 4+
Biology 2023 42.4 89.6
Biology 2019 42.4 89.7
Chemistry 2023 44.0 89.8
Chemistry 2019 44.1 90.1

Physics 2023 43.4 90.2

Physics 2019 44.0 90.9

Data JCQ
 Top Tips
Exam preparation
 Top Tips

Revise work Make sure you Ask if

after each understand the you are
lesson concepts not sure
covered in the
lesson
 Top Tips
Exam preparation
Learning is much more effective when
spaced out over longer stretches of time.
Plan your time - It's easier to remember
information from several shorter study
sessions than one long one
Give yourself targets - take a few short
breaks during your study sessions.
 Top Tips

Exam preparation
Use practical memory
aids where relevant:
e.g. audio-visual aids,
mind maps, awarding
body websites etc.
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 Raging Martians
Invaded
Venus Using
X-ray Guns.

radio waves,
microwaves, infrared
light, visible light,
ultraviolet light, x-rays,
and gamma rays.
 Top Tips

Exam preparation
Most important test
yourself with past
papers and questions
 Top Tips
Remember to:
Practice writing concise
structured
accounts to describe
processes.
Students who do not
practice are frequently
disadvantaged.
 What Will Be
Examined?
Demonstration of
knowledge and

understanding –
Recall.

Analysis of Application of
information knowledge and
and ideas. understanding.
How Will The Question
Paper Be Arranged?

LEVEL OF
DIFFICULTY

PROGRESS THROUGH PAPER

 The Top Grade
• Demonstrate relevant and
comprehensive knowledge and
understanding and apply these correctly to
both familiar and unfamiliar contexts
using accurate scientific terminology
• Use a range of mathematical skills to
perform complex scientific calculations
• Critically analyse qualitative and
quantitative data to draw logical, well-
evidenced conclusions
• Critically evaluate and refine
methodologies, and judge the validity of
scientific conclusions
 Top Tips
Remember to:
Read each question
carefully and read it again
if necessary to check your
understanding
 Top Tips
Remember to:
Think about what you are
going to say before
writing. Make some notes
if it helps.
 Top Tips
Remember to:
• Write as clearly and neatly as
you can - it makes your script
“ and keeps the
easier to mark
examiner on your side.
• Do not overwrite numbers in
calculations
 Top Tips

Remember that:
• You should be able to use
your knowledge and
understanding to answer
each question on the paper.
[Co(H2O)6]2+(aq) + 2OH-(aq)

→ Co(H2O)4(OH)2(s) + 2H2O(l)

What type of reaction is this? (1 mark)

 Top Tips
Remember:
• Don’t give more answers
than you are asked for in the
question.
• An incorrect answer will
cancel the mark for a correct
answer.
 Top Tips
Remember to:
Make your answers as
accurate and precise as
possible by using the
correct scientific words,
equipment and
conventions.
A good scientific answer is:
• structured logically - ideas and
processes are expressed in a
logical order.
• accurate avoids words like ‘about’,
‘approximately’, ‘almost’.
• objective - statements are
supported by appropriate evidence.
CH4 + 2O2 → CO2 + 2H2O √
CH4 O2 CO2 H2O
Ch4 o2 co2 H2o
Ch4
cH4
o2 co2
Co2
h2O
H2O x
cH4 Co2 h2o
CH4 cO2 h2O
cO2
CO2
 The Importance
Of Mathematics

Combined Science 20%

Biology 10%
Chemistry 20%
Physics 30%
Types Of
Calculation
• Straightforward e.g, the
calculation of a mean
from given data.
• Complex e.g. the
calculation of a yield of
a chemical reaction.
• Those requiring an
equation – you should
be able to rearrange a
scientific equation
Equation
Sheets
 The Importance
Of Practical
Work
Although the final
assessment and
grade is by exam
only, there is a
large focus on
practical skills.
 Practical Tasks
Depending on the practical task you may need to:
•
Demonstrate that you could work safely
•
Plan and select appropriate strategies
•
Develop and test hypothesis
•
Describe
•
Calculate
•
Make conclusions
•
Make evaluations.