WJEC GCSE Applied Science (Single Award) specification (3440)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your WJEC GCSE Applied Science (Single Award) exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official WJEC GCSE Applied Science (Single Award) specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official WJEC GCSE Applied Science (Single Award) (3440) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official WJEC specification PDF.
Specification overview
The WJEC GCSE in Applied Science (Single Award) provides a practical, real-world approach to science learning. It develops scientific knowledge and understanding through applications in everyday contexts, preparing learners for further study or employment in science-related fields. The course integrates Biology, Chemistry, and Physics with an emphasis on how science works in real life. Learners build skills in communication, problem-solving, enquiry and evaluation, with opportunities to engage in collaborative investigations and practical activities.Subject content breakdown
1.1 Energy, resources and the environment
- Energy transfers, efficiency, renewable and non-renewable sources
- Global energy demand, sustainability, and carbon footprint
- Uses and impacts of fossil fuels, nuclear and renewable energy
- Waste management and recycling processes
- Practical investigations into insulation and energy conservation
1.2 Living and growing
- Cell structure and function; diffusion and osmosis
- Human reproduction and the menstrual cycle
- Contraception and fertility treatments
- Genetic variation and inheritance, including Punnett squares
- Environmental influences on growth; plant and human growth
1.3 Food and fitness
- Diet components and balanced nutrition
- Digestion and the role of enzymes
- Heart structure and the circulatory system
- Health indicators: BMI, blood pressure, pulse rate
- Effects of exercise and lifestyle on health
1.4 Chemistry of materials
- Properties of metals and non-metals; reactivity series
- Acids, alkalis and neutralisation in everyday contexts
- Chemical changes, including combustion and corrosion
- Separation techniques (filtration, chromatography)
- Use of materials and their impact on the environment
1.5 Producing and measuring electricity
- Generating electricity from different sources
- Electricity in the home: circuits, fuses, power, and safety
- Conductors and insulators
- Measuring current, voltage, and resistance
- Energy consumption and electricity costs
1.6 Interdependence, food and ecosystems
- Food chains and webs, energy flow through ecosystems
- Human impacts: pollution, deforestation, conservation
- Biodiversity and sustainable development
- Role of decomposers and nutrient cycles
- Practical ecology investigations
Assessment structure
Unit 1: Science in Action
- Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
- 90 marks (20 marks from data and practical-based questions)
- 60% of qualification
- Structured and extended writing questions assessing all six content areas
- Includes questions requiring analysis, interpretation, and evaluation of scientific information
Unit 2: Science in Practice
- Controlled assessment (internally assessed, externally moderated)
- 60 marks
- 40% of qualification
- Task based on a scientific investigation or problem-solving activity
- Assesses planning, practical work, analysis, and evaluation
Key tips for success
Doing well in your WJEC GCSE Applied Science (Single Award) isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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