Please also see our subject update published on 20 July 2022, as we've now updated our specifications for GCSE Combined Science (J250/J260) and GCSE Physics (J249/J259) to include symbol equations.

In January 2022, we informed you we'll be introducing symbol equations to our specifications for GCSE Combined Science (J250/J260) and GCSE Physics (J249/J259). 

We can confirm these updated specifications will also include the following minor changes to make our word equations clearer:

We will use		rather than
		½ or 0.5 to represent ‘half’
		density = mass ÷ volume density = mass / volume

We’re also removing repetition in the appendix equation tables and we’re changing the layout of some word equations for consistency throughout the specification and between corresponding word and symbol equations.

We’ll notify you when our amended specifications are available.

We've already introduced the consistent use of the 'half' symbol above and the horizontal fraction bar for word equations in our 2022 data sheets. This approach will be used in all future assessment materials. 

The new symbol equations will also appear in our data and equation sheets for first assessment 2023. Where equations are provided to candidates in questions, these will continue to be written in words. Use of the symbol equations by students in their answers is optional. 

For the following qualifications, we are now using the title ‘equation sheet’ to accurately reflect its contents. You can download the updated sample equation sheets below:

• GCSE Physics A (J249)
• GCSE Physics B (J259)
• GCSE Combined Sciences A (J250)
• GCSE Combined Sciences B (J260) components 03 and 07.

For GCSE Combined Science B (J260/04 and J260/08), we are keeping the title ‘data sheet’ as it includes equations and the periodic table.

You can view and download the data and equations sheets from the Assessment > Sample assessment materials section of the qualification pages.

If you have any queries about this update, please call our Customer Support Centre on 01223 553998 or email science@ocr.org.uk.

Qualifications

• Gateway Science Suite - Physics A (9-1) - J249 (from 2016)
• Twenty First Century Science Suite - Physics B (9-1) - J259 (from 2016)
• Gateway Science Suite - Combined Science A (9-1) - J250 (from 2016)
• Twenty First Century Science Suite - Combined Science B (9-1) - J260 (from 2016)