OCR GCSE Combined Science A (Gateway) specification (J250)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your OCR GCSE Combined Science A (Gateway) 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 OCR GCSE Combined Science A (Gateway) 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 OCR GCSE Combined Science A (Gateway) (J250) 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 OCR specification PDF.
Specification overview
OCR GCSE (9–1) Combined Science A (Gateway Science) aims to develop students’ understanding of key scientific concepts in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. The course encourages learners to acquire scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding, explore scientific processes, and engage in practical and investigative work. It supports the development of skills in problem-solving, critical analysis, and evidence-based decision-making. The specification also fosters an appreciation of the impact of science on the environment, technology, and society, promoting responsible scientific inquiry and preparing learners for further study or employment in scientific fields:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.Subject content breakdown
Biology
- B1: Cell level systems – Cell structures, functions, respiration, photosynthesis.
- B2: Scaling up – Diffusion, osmosis, active transport, mitosis, stem cells, transport systems in plants and animals.
- B3: Organism level systems – Nervous system, endocrine system, homeostasis.
- B4: Community level systems – Ecosystems, biotic and abiotic factors, interdependence, carbon and water cycles.
- B5: Genes, inheritance and selection – Inheritance patterns, natural selection, evolution, evidence for evolution.
- B6: Global challenges – Environmental monitoring, biodiversity, food production, genetic engineering, health, disease prevention.
Chemistry
- C1: Particles – Particle model, states of matter, atomic structure.
- C2: Elements, compounds and mixtures – Purity, separating mixtures, bonding, properties of materials.
- C3: Chemical reactions – Chemical equations, energetics, types of chemical reactions, electrolysis.
- C4: Predicting and identifying reactions and products – Reactivity, Periodic Table trends, reaction predictions.
- C5: Monitoring and controlling chemical reactions – Reaction rates, equilibrium.
- C6: Global challenges – Improving industrial processes, environmental chemistry.
Physics
- P1: Matter – Particle model, changes of state.
- P2: Forces – Motion, Newton’s laws, forces in action.
- P3: Electricity and magnetism – Circuits, static electricity, magnetism.
- P4: Waves and radioactivity – Wave properties, electromagnetic spectrum, radioactive decay.
- P5: Energy – Work, power, efficiency.
- P6: Global challenges – Physics in transportation and energy production.
CS7: Practical skills
- Embedded throughout topics.
- Develops competence in observation, experimentation, analysis, and evaluation.
- Practical Activity Groups (PAGs) support skill development and exam assessment:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Assessment structure
Foundation Tier (Grades 5–5 to 1–1)
- Paper 1: Biology (J250/01) – 1h 10m, 60 marks, covers B1–B3 and Practical Skills.
- Paper 2: Biology (J250/02) – 1h 10m, 60 marks, covers B4–B6 and Practical Skills.
- Paper 3: Chemistry (J250/03) – 1h 10m, 60 marks, covers C1–C3 and Practical Skills.
- Paper 4: Chemistry (J250/04) – 1h 10m, 60 marks, covers C4–C6 and Practical Skills.
- Paper 5: Physics (J250/05) – 1h 10m, 60 marks, covers P1–P3 and Practical Skills.
- Paper 6: Physics (J250/06) – 1h 10m, 60 marks, covers P4–P6 and Practical Skills.
Higher Tier (Grades 9–9 to 4–4)
- Paper 7: Biology (J250/07) – Same format, covers B1–B3 and Practical Skills.
- Paper 8: Biology (J250/08) – Same format, covers B4–B6 and Practical Skills.
- Paper 9: Chemistry (J250/09) – Same format, covers C1–C3 and Practical Skills.
- Paper 10: Chemistry (J250/10) – Same format, covers C4–C6 and Practical Skills.
- Paper 11: Physics (J250/11) – Same format, covers P1–P3 and Practical Skills.
Paper 12: Physics (J250/12) – Same format, covers P4–P6 and Practical Skills.
- Each paper counts for 16.7% of the qualification.
- All papers include multiple choice, structured, and extended response questions.
- Synoptic assessment included in Biology Paper 2 & 8, Chemistry Paper 4 & 10, and Physics Paper 6 & 12.
- Practical skills assessed through written examinations only.
- No coursework or practical exam; assessment of practical skills integrated within papers.
- Available in both summer and winter series for certain regions:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your OCR GCSE Combined Science A (Gateway) 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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