Guidance

Single sciences (biology, chemistry and physics) and combined science: grade descriptors for GCSEs graded 9 to 1

Updated 6 September 2017

Applies to England

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/grade-descriptors-for-gcses-graded-9-to-1/grade-descriptors-for-gcses-graded-9-to-1-single-science-biology-chemistry-and-physics-and-combined-science

1. Grades 8 and 8-8

1.1 To achieve grades 8 and 8-8 candidates will be able to:

  • 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

2. Grades 5 and 5-5

2.1 To achieve grades 5 and 5-5 candidates will be able to:

  • demonstrate mostly accurate and appropriate knowledge and understanding and apply these mostly correctly to familiar and unfamiliar contexts, using mostly accurate scientific terminology
  • use appropriate mathematical skills to perform multi-step calculations
  • analyse qualitative and quantitative data to draw plausible conclusions supported by some evidence
  • evaluate methodologies to suggest improvements to experimental methods, and comment on scientific conclusions

3. Grades 2 and 2-2

3.1 To achieve grades 2 and 2-2 candidates will be able to:

  • demonstrate some relevant scientific knowledge and understanding using limited scientific terminology
  • perform basic calculations
  • draw simple conclusions from qualitative or quantitative data
  • make basic comments relating to experimental methods
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