specification_accredited_gcse_gateway_science_suite_biology_a_j247
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Qualification
Accredited
Oxford Cambridge and RSA
GCSE (9-1)
Specification
GATEWAY
SCIENCE
BIOLOGY A
H418
J247
For first assessment 2022
For first assessment in 2018
Version 3.4 (June 2023) ocr.org.uk/gcsegatewaybiology
6/22/2026 specification_accredited_gcse_gateway_science_suite_biology_a_j247.pdf
specification_accredited_gcse_gateway_science_suite_biology_a_j247.pdf
,specification_accredited_gcse_gateway_science_suite_biology_a_j247
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Disclaimer Specifications are updated over time. Whilst every effort is made to check all
documents, there may be contradictions between published resources and the
specification, therefore please use the information on the latest specification at
all times. Where changes are made to specifications these will be indicated within
the document, there will be a new version number indicated, and a summary
of the changes. If you do notice a discrepancy between the specification and a
resource please contact us at:
We will inform centres about changes to specifications. We will also publish
changes on our website. The latest version of our specifications will always be
those on our website (ocr.org.uk) and these may differ from printed versions.
Registered office:
The Triangle Building © 2023 OCR. All rights reserved.
Shaftesbury Road
Cambridge Copyright
CB2 8EA OCR retains the copyright on all its publications, including the specifications.
However, registered centres for OCR are permitted to copy material from this
OCR is an exempt charity. specification booklet for their own internal use.
Oxford Cambridge and RSA is a Company Limited by Guarantee. Registered in
England. Registered company number 3484466.
6/22/2026 specification_accredited_gcse_gateway_science_suite_biology_a_j247.pdf
specification_accredited_gcse_gateway_science_suite_biology_a_j247.pdf
,specification_accredited_gcse_gateway_science_suite_biology_a_j247
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Contents
Support and Guidance ii
Assessment Preparation and Analysis Service iii
1 Why choose an OCR GCSE (9–1) in Biology A (Gateway Science)? 1
1a. Why choose an OCR qualification? 1
1b. Why choose an OCR GCSE (9–1) in Biology A (Gateway Science)? 2
1c. What are the key features of this specification? 4
1d. How do I find out more information? 4
2 The specification overview 5
2a. OCR’s GCSE (9–1) in Biology A (Gateway Science) (J247) 5
2b. Content of GCSE (9–1) in Biology A (Gateway Science) (J247) 6
2c. Content of topics B1 to B6 10
2c. Topic B7: Practical skills 47
2d. Prior knowledge, learning and progression 51
3 Assessment of GCSE (9–1) in Biology A (Gateway Science) 52
3a. Forms of assessment 52
3b. Assessment objectives (AO) 53
3c. Command words 54
3d. Tiers 56
3e. Total qualification time 56
3f. Assessment availability 57
3g. Retaking the qualification 57
3h. Assessment of extended response 57
3i. Synoptic assessment 57
3j. Calculating qualification results 57
4 Admin: what you need to know 58
4a. Pre-assessment 58
4b. Special consideration 58
4c. External assessment arrangements 59
4d. Results and certificates 60
4e. Post-results services 60
4f. Malpractice 60
5 Appendices 61
5a. Grade descriptors 61
5b. Overlap with other qualifications 62
5c. Accessibility 62
5d. Units in science 63
5e. Working scientifically 65
5f. Mathematical skills requirement 71
5g. Health and safety 73
Summary of updates 74
Version 3.4 © OCR 2023
GCSE (9–1) in Biology A (Gateway Science) i
6/22/2026 specification_accredited_gcse_gateway_science_suite_biology_a_j247.pdf
specification_accredited_gcse_gateway_science_suite_biology_a_j247.pdf
, specification_accredited_gcse_gateway_science_suite_biology_a_j247
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Support and Guidance
Introducing a new specification brings challenges for knowledge that will grow throughout the lifetime
implementation and teaching, but it also opens up of the specification, they include:
new opportunities. Our aim is to help you at every
stage. We are working hard with teachers and other
• Delivery Guides
experts to bring you a package of practical support,
• Transition Guides
resources and training.
• Topic Exploration Packs
• Lesson Elements.
Subject Advisors
OCR Subject Advisors provide information and We also work with a number of leading publishers
support to centres including specification and non- who publish textbooks and resources for our
exam assessment advice, updates on resource specifications. For more information on our
developments and a range of training opportunities. publishing partners and their resources visit:
ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse-and-a-level-reform/
Our Subject Advisors work with subject communities publishing-partners
through a range of networks to ensure the sharing of
ideas and expertise supporting teachers and students Professional development
alike. They work with developers to help produce our Our improved Professional Development
specifications and the resources needed to support Programme fulfils a range of needs through
these qualifications during their development. course selection, preparation for teaching, delivery
and assessment. Whether you want to come to
You can contact our Science Subject face-to-face events, look at our new digital training
Advisors for specialist advice, guidance and or search for training materials, you can find what
support: you’re looking for all in one place at the CPD Hub:
cpdhub.ocr.org.uk
01223 553998
An introduction to new specifications
@OCR_Science
We run training events throughout the academic
year that are designed to help prepare you for first
Teaching and learning resources
teaching and support every stage of your delivery of
Our resources are designed to provide you with a the new qualifications.
range of teaching activities and suggestions that
enable you to select the best activity, approach or To receive the latest information about the training
context to support your teaching style and your we offer on GCSE and A Level, please register for
particular students. The resources are a body of email updates at: ocr.org.uk/updates
Version 3.4 © OCR 2023
ii GCSE (9–1) in Biology A (Gateway Science)
6/22/2026 specification_accredited_gcse_gateway_science_suite_biology_a_j247.pdf
specification_accredited_gcse_gateway_science_suite_biology_a_j247.pdf
Page 1specification_accredited_gcse_gateway_science_suite_biology_a_j247.pdf
of 82
Qualification
Accredited
Oxford Cambridge and RSA
GCSE (9-1)
Specification
GATEWAY
SCIENCE
BIOLOGY A
H418
J247
For first assessment 2022
For first assessment in 2018
Version 3.4 (June 2023) ocr.org.uk/gcsegatewaybiology
6/22/2026 specification_accredited_gcse_gateway_science_suite_biology_a_j247.pdf
specification_accredited_gcse_gateway_science_suite_biology_a_j247.pdf
,specification_accredited_gcse_gateway_science_suite_biology_a_j247
Page 2specification_accredited_gcse_gateway_science_suite_biology_a_j247.pdf
of 82
Disclaimer Specifications are updated over time. Whilst every effort is made to check all
documents, there may be contradictions between published resources and the
specification, therefore please use the information on the latest specification at
all times. Where changes are made to specifications these will be indicated within
the document, there will be a new version number indicated, and a summary
of the changes. If you do notice a discrepancy between the specification and a
resource please contact us at:
We will inform centres about changes to specifications. We will also publish
changes on our website. The latest version of our specifications will always be
those on our website (ocr.org.uk) and these may differ from printed versions.
Registered office:
The Triangle Building © 2023 OCR. All rights reserved.
Shaftesbury Road
Cambridge Copyright
CB2 8EA OCR retains the copyright on all its publications, including the specifications.
However, registered centres for OCR are permitted to copy material from this
OCR is an exempt charity. specification booklet for their own internal use.
Oxford Cambridge and RSA is a Company Limited by Guarantee. Registered in
England. Registered company number 3484466.
6/22/2026 specification_accredited_gcse_gateway_science_suite_biology_a_j247.pdf
specification_accredited_gcse_gateway_science_suite_biology_a_j247.pdf
,specification_accredited_gcse_gateway_science_suite_biology_a_j247
Page 3specification_accredited_gcse_gateway_science_suite_biology_a_j247.pdf
of 82
Contents
Support and Guidance ii
Assessment Preparation and Analysis Service iii
1 Why choose an OCR GCSE (9–1) in Biology A (Gateway Science)? 1
1a. Why choose an OCR qualification? 1
1b. Why choose an OCR GCSE (9–1) in Biology A (Gateway Science)? 2
1c. What are the key features of this specification? 4
1d. How do I find out more information? 4
2 The specification overview 5
2a. OCR’s GCSE (9–1) in Biology A (Gateway Science) (J247) 5
2b. Content of GCSE (9–1) in Biology A (Gateway Science) (J247) 6
2c. Content of topics B1 to B6 10
2c. Topic B7: Practical skills 47
2d. Prior knowledge, learning and progression 51
3 Assessment of GCSE (9–1) in Biology A (Gateway Science) 52
3a. Forms of assessment 52
3b. Assessment objectives (AO) 53
3c. Command words 54
3d. Tiers 56
3e. Total qualification time 56
3f. Assessment availability 57
3g. Retaking the qualification 57
3h. Assessment of extended response 57
3i. Synoptic assessment 57
3j. Calculating qualification results 57
4 Admin: what you need to know 58
4a. Pre-assessment 58
4b. Special consideration 58
4c. External assessment arrangements 59
4d. Results and certificates 60
4e. Post-results services 60
4f. Malpractice 60
5 Appendices 61
5a. Grade descriptors 61
5b. Overlap with other qualifications 62
5c. Accessibility 62
5d. Units in science 63
5e. Working scientifically 65
5f. Mathematical skills requirement 71
5g. Health and safety 73
Summary of updates 74
Version 3.4 © OCR 2023
GCSE (9–1) in Biology A (Gateway Science) i
6/22/2026 specification_accredited_gcse_gateway_science_suite_biology_a_j247.pdf
specification_accredited_gcse_gateway_science_suite_biology_a_j247.pdf
, specification_accredited_gcse_gateway_science_suite_biology_a_j247
Page 4specification_accredited_gcse_gateway_science_suite_biology_a_j247.pdf
of 82
Support and Guidance
Introducing a new specification brings challenges for knowledge that will grow throughout the lifetime
implementation and teaching, but it also opens up of the specification, they include:
new opportunities. Our aim is to help you at every
stage. We are working hard with teachers and other
• Delivery Guides
experts to bring you a package of practical support,
• Transition Guides
resources and training.
• Topic Exploration Packs
• Lesson Elements.
Subject Advisors
OCR Subject Advisors provide information and We also work with a number of leading publishers
support to centres including specification and non- who publish textbooks and resources for our
exam assessment advice, updates on resource specifications. For more information on our
developments and a range of training opportunities. publishing partners and their resources visit:
ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse-and-a-level-reform/
Our Subject Advisors work with subject communities publishing-partners
through a range of networks to ensure the sharing of
ideas and expertise supporting teachers and students Professional development
alike. They work with developers to help produce our Our improved Professional Development
specifications and the resources needed to support Programme fulfils a range of needs through
these qualifications during their development. course selection, preparation for teaching, delivery
and assessment. Whether you want to come to
You can contact our Science Subject face-to-face events, look at our new digital training
Advisors for specialist advice, guidance and or search for training materials, you can find what
support: you’re looking for all in one place at the CPD Hub:
cpdhub.ocr.org.uk
01223 553998
An introduction to new specifications
@OCR_Science
We run training events throughout the academic
year that are designed to help prepare you for first
Teaching and learning resources
teaching and support every stage of your delivery of
Our resources are designed to provide you with a the new qualifications.
range of teaching activities and suggestions that
enable you to select the best activity, approach or To receive the latest information about the training
context to support your teaching style and your we offer on GCSE and A Level, please register for
particular students. The resources are a body of email updates at: ocr.org.uk/updates
Version 3.4 © OCR 2023
ii GCSE (9–1) in Biology A (Gateway Science)
6/22/2026 specification_accredited_gcse_gateway_science_suite_biology_a_j247.pdf
specification_accredited_gcse_gateway_science_suite_biology_a_j247.pdf
