Updated specifications for GCSE Combined Science and GCSE Physics
20 July 2022
In January 2022, we informed you we'd be introducing symbol equations to our specifications for GCSE Combined Science (J250/J260) and GCSE Physics (J249/J259) and in June 2022, we published our updated data and equation sheets.
We can now confirm we've updated our specifications to include the symbol equations, which you can view below:
You can also view and download the specifications from the qualification pages on our website.
We've updated the specifications with the following minor changes to make our word equations clearer:
We will use
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rather than
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½ or 0.5 to represent ‘half’
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density = mass ÷ volume
density = mass / volume
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We’ve also removed repetition in the appendix equation tables and we’ve changed the layout of some word equations for consistency throughout the specification and between corresponding word and symbol equations.
Endorsed and non-endorsed materials use a variety of symbols but for clarity we've created a single-set of defined symbols.
The new symbol equations 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.
- Candidates can continue to use word equations in their question responses instead of symbols.
- The marking approach to calculation-based questions requiring the use of equations will not change.
You can read more about these changes and view the OCR resources available to help you and your students in our blog.
If you have any queries about this update, please call our Customer Support Centre on 01223 553998 or email science@ocr.org.uk.
Qualifications