About the exam
WJEC GCSE The Sciences (Double Award) Exam structure
An independent guide to the current WJEC Made-for-Wales GCSE The Sciences (Double Award), integrating Biology, Chemistry, Physics and scientific enquiry across seven compulsory units.
Issuer and path
WJEC GCSE The Sciences (Double Award) Study Guide is administered through WJEC CBAC Ltd. Check official resources before booking, retesting, or relying on a stale requirement.
Unit 1: Biology - Basis of Life
14.3 scored + 0 pretest
Cell structure, metabolism, organ systems and the interdependence of organisms.
Unit 2: Chemistry - Chemical Substances and How They Behave
14.3 scored + 0 pretest
Matter, electronic structure and periodicity, reaction rates and the Earth's essential resources.
Unit 3: Physics - Forces, Motion and the Universe
14.3 scored + 0 pretest
Motion, energy resources, forces, waves and the Solar System and stars.
Unit 4: Biology - Continuity of Life
15.7 scored + 0 pretest
Biodiversity, inheritance, evolution, control systems and human health, including Biology connection marks.
Unit 5: Chemistry - Chemical Bonding, Reactions and Resources
15.7 scored + 0 pretest
Bonding and structure, acids and salts, metals and extraction, and crude-oil resources, including Chemistry connection marks.
Unit 6: Physics - Waves, Electricity and Energy
15.7 scored + 0 pretest
Radioactivity, wave applications, circuits, energy transfer, electromagnetism and the expanding Universe, including Physics connection marks.
Unit 7: Scientific Enquiry
10 scored + 0 pretest
Scientific thinking and experimental strategies assessed through two centre-selected, WJEC-marked practical and written enquiries.
Before entering a unit or starting Unit 7
Confirm the 3455 qualification and medium, exact unit code, Foundation or Higher tier for Units 1-6, current assessment series, permitted materials and live WJEC instructions. For Unit 7, use the secure Assessment Arrangement Pack and centre-selected two enquiries within the final-year spring window.
Official Outline Coverage Map
Coverage is mapped to official outline item counts so content depth can be checked without hard-coding a single exam.
| Topic | Official outline items | Your questions | Your flashcards | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 Cell structure and function: How are cells structured, organised and sustained? | 0 | 22 | 5 | Strong |
| 1.2 Metabolism: What keeps cells alive? | 0 | 22 | 5 | Strong |
| 1.3 Systems: How do organs work together? | 0 | 22 | 5 | Strong |
| 1.4 Interdependence of organisms: How do organisms live together? | 0 | 20 | 5 | Strong |
| 2.1 Matter: What are materials made from? | 0 | 22 | 5 | Strong |
| 2.2 Electronic Structure and Periodicity: Can we predict how elements behave? | 0 | 22 | 5 | Strong |
| 2.3 Rates of Reaction: Can we control the speed of a reaction? | 0 | 21 | 5 | Strong |
| 2.4 The Earth's essential resources: How can we preserve the planet for future generations? | 0 | 21 | 5 | Strong |
| 3.1 Motion: How do objects move? | 0 | 18 | 5 | Strong |
| 3.2 Energy Resources and Efficiency: Electricity for the future | 0 | 17 | 5 | Strong |
| 3.3 Forces: How do forces interact with objects? | 0 | 17 | 5 | Strong |
| 3.4 Waves: What are waves? | 0 | 17 | 5 | Strong |
| 3.5 Our Universe - The wonders of the universe | 0 | 17 | 5 | Strong |
| 4.1 Biodiversity: What are the impacts of human activity on ecosystems? | 0 | 19 | 5 | Strong |
| 4.2 Inheritance: How do organisms grow and reproduce? | 0 | 19 | 5 | Strong |
| 4.3 Evolution: Why are organisms so different? | 0 | 19 | 5 | Strong |
| 4.4 Control systems: How do organisms react to their environment? | 0 | 19 | 5 | Strong |
| 4.5 Human health: The causes, prevention and treatment of disease | 0 | 18 | 5 | Strong |
| 5.1 Chemical bonding and structure: Why do materials behave so differently? | 0 | 24 | 5 | Strong |
| 5.2 Acid reactions: How can we make and identify salts? | 0 | 24 | 5 | Strong |
| 5.3 Metals and their extraction: How do we get the chemical resources needed to drive new technologies? | 0 | 23 | 5 | Strong |
| 5.4 Crude oil: Why is it still an essential resource? | 0 | 23 | 5 | Strong |
| 6.1 Radioactivity: What is radioactivity and how do we use it? | 0 | 16 | 5 | Strong |
| 6.2 Waves: How do we use the waves around us? | 0 | 16 | 5 | Strong |
| 6.3 Electricity: Exploring electrical circuits and their uses | 0 | 16 | 5 | Strong |
| 6.4 Energy: Transferring energy efficiently | 0 | 16 | 5 | Strong |
| 6.5 Electromagnetism - How is electromagnetism used? | 0 | 16 | 5 | Strong |
| 6.6 The Universe: What is out there? | 0 | 15 | 5 | Strong |
| SE1-SE3 Development of scientific thinking | 0 | 30 | 5 | Strong |
| SE4-SE8 Experimental skills and strategies | 0 | 30 | 5 | Strong |
How to use this guide
How to study WJEC GCSE The Sciences
Move from a scientific model to a prediction or method, collect or interpret evidence, show quantitative working and finish with a conclusion whose limits match the data.
1. Decode the assessment conditions
Identify the unit, discipline, tier, command word, supplied periodic table or equations, data source and relevant SE skill.
2. Select a model or relationship
Name the scientific idea, particles, system, force, energy pathway, equation or biological process that explains the phenomenon.
3. Design or execute the method
State variables, range, repeats, controls, apparatus, precision and safety, or apply the given method exactly under Unit 7 controls.
4. Analyse evidence
Show substitutions and units, use suitable tables or graphs, quantify patterns and anomalies, and distinguish primary from secondary evidence.
5. Conclude and evaluate
Answer the scientific question, relate evidence to the model or hypothesis, qualify uncertainty and propose a specific valid improvement or decision.
Current Made-for-Wales assessment map
Three disciplines, two content stages, one enquiry unit
Build Units 1-3 first, use their selected italicised content for the 8 connection marks in Units 4-6, and develop SE1-SE8 continuously before controlled Unit 7.
Cells and Metabolism
Cell organisation, transport, enzymes, respiration and photosynthesis.
Choose a topic to open below
Organ Systems and Ecology
Plant and human transport systems, digestion, gas exchange and ecosystem relationships.
Choose a topic to open below
Matter and Periodicity
Particles, elements, atoms, isotopes, formulae, electronic structure and periodic trends.
Choose a topic to open below
Reaction Rates and Earth Resources
Chemical change, collision theory, catalysts, water, separation, atmosphere and climate.
Choose a topic to open below
Motion and Forces
Kinematics, motion graphs, stopping, force diagrams and Newton's laws.
Choose a topic to open below
Energy, Waves and the Universe
Energy stores and resources, wave behaviour and spectrum, the Solar System and stellar life cycles.
Choose a topic to open below
Biodiversity, Genetics and Evolution
Human ecosystem impacts, DNA, stem cells, inheritance, variation, natural selection and gene technology.
Choose a topic to open below
Control Systems and Human Health
Nervous and hormonal control, non-communicable and communicable disease, defence and immunity.
Choose a topic to open below
Structure, Bonding and Acids
Material properties, metallic, ionic and covalent bonding, pH, neutralisation and salt identification.
Choose a topic to open below
Metals and Organic Resources
Metal reactivity and extraction, calculations, hydrocarbons, polymers, fuels and energy change.
Choose a topic to open below
Radiation and Wave Applications
Radioactive decay, half-life and uses, plus reflection, refraction and wave technologies.
Choose a topic to open below
Electricity and Energy Transfer
Circuit quantities, Ohm's law, component behaviour, work done and efficiency.
Choose a topic to open below
Electromagnetism and the Universe
Fields, induction, motors, transformers, the National Grid, red shift and the Big Bang model.
Choose a topic to open below
Scientific Enquiry
SE1-SE8 scientific thinking, method design, primary and secondary data, analysis, conclusion and evaluation.
Choose a topic to open below
1.1 Cell structure and function: How are cells structured, organised and sustained?
Relate plant and animal cell structure to levels of organisation and the movement of substances needed by cells.
Key rules
Rule 1
Compare cell structures and connect organelles to their functions.
Exam cue: Identify the unit, entered tier, supplied reference material, command word and relevant scientific enquiry skill.
Rule 2
Move from cells through tissues and organs to organ systems.
Exam cue: Label only visible structures, then connect structural adaptation to transport or biological function.
Rule 3
Explain diffusion, osmosis and active transport using concentration and membrane evidence.
Exam cue: Use scientific terminology, show quantitative working with units, and connect conclusions to data and the stated model.
Rule 4
Official subtopics: 1.1.1 Structure of animal and plant cells; 1.1.2 Levels of organisation within multicellular organisms; 1.1.3 How cells get what they need.
Exam cue: Trace the biological organisation or mechanism, connect structure to function and use the stated evidence before drawing a health or ecosystem conclusion.
Rule 5
Scientific enquiry and mathematical skills apply in this topic; bold amplification is Higher Tier only.
Exam cue: Specify variables, range, repeats, apparatus and safety; present traceable data, quantify uncertainty and limit the conclusion to the evidence.
Common traps
Treating every cell as if it contains the same structures or confusing diffusion, osmosis and active transport.
Prevention: Do not import outgoing 3430QD content, another science route, a fixed required-practical list or unsupported tier and connection assumptions.
Recalling a fact without applying it to the observation, data, practical method or unfamiliar context.
Prevention: Use the live secure pack: Task A may use groups of up to three; Task B is individual and highly controlled. Two enquiries are selected by the centre from three.
Importing content, required practicals, tier rules or paper structure from the outgoing WJEC or another awarding-body route.
Prevention: Bold amplification is Higher-only. Units 1-6 may mix tiers, but Unit 7 is untiered.
Memory anchors
Organelle
A specialised structure within a cell that performs a particular function.
Tissue
A group of similar cells working together to perform a function.
Diffusion
Net movement of particles from higher to lower concentration.
Osmosis
Net movement of water through a partially permeable membrane from higher to lower water potential.
Active transport
Movement against a concentration gradient using energy from respiration.
Next best moves
Quick check-up
Use a short quiz to confirm the rule pattern is actually sticking.
Check-up Questions
Which structure contains most of the genetic material in a typical animal cell? Connect the structure or concentration change to the cell function it supports. Distinguish the measured variable from its explanation.
A cell has circular DNA free in the cytoplasm and no membrane-bound nucleus. Which type of cell is it? Connect the structure or concentration change to the cell function it supports. Link the named structure to its stated function.
Answer all questions to submit.
Next step personalized recommendations
Open another topic next
Official resources
Verify the details with the official sources
Use these links for eligibility, scheduling, handbook rules, and issuer updates. Our guide helps you study; official sources tell you what the testing partner currently requires.
WJEC GCSE The Sciences (Double Award) qualification page
The current Made-for-Wales hub for approved specification, guidance, SAMs, resources and updates.
WJEC GCSE The Sciences (Double Award) specification
Approved current specification for teaching from September 2026 and award from Summer 2028.
WJEC The Sciences Double Award Delivery Guide
Current overview of qualification structure, assessment, command words and important dates.
WJEC The Sciences FAQs
Current answers about practical work, common questions, connection marks, progression and route boundaries.
Unit 1 Foundation Tier SAMs
Foundation Tier sample paper and mark scheme for Biology - Basis of Life.
Unit 1 Higher Tier SAMs
Higher Tier sample paper and mark scheme for Biology - Basis of Life.
Unit 2 Foundation Tier SAMs
Foundation Tier sample paper and mark scheme for Chemical Substances and How They Behave.
Unit 2 Higher Tier SAMs
Higher Tier sample paper and mark scheme for Chemical Substances and How They Behave.
Unit 3 Foundation Tier SAMs
Foundation Tier sample paper and mark scheme for Forces, Motion and the Universe.
Unit 3 Higher Tier SAMs
Higher Tier sample paper and mark scheme for Forces, Motion and the Universe.
Unit 4 Foundation Tier SAMs
Foundation Tier sample paper and mark scheme for Biology - Continuity of Life.
Unit 4 Higher Tier SAMs
Higher Tier sample paper and mark scheme for Biology - Continuity of Life.
Unit 5 Foundation Tier SAMs
Foundation Tier sample paper and mark scheme for Chemical Bonding, Reactions and Resources.
Unit 5 Higher Tier SAMs
Higher Tier sample paper and mark scheme for Chemical Bonding, Reactions and Resources.
Unit 6 Foundation Tier SAMs
Foundation Tier sample paper and mark scheme for Waves, Electricity and Energy.
Unit 6 Higher Tier SAMs
Higher Tier sample paper and mark scheme for Waves, Electricity and Energy.
Unit 7 Scientific Enquiry SAMs
Sample Assessment Arrangement Pack, three sample enquiries and mark schemes for the untiered practical unit.
Connections and relationships teaching guidance
Official guidance on the selected within-discipline links assessed in Units 4, 5 and 6.
FAQ
Common WJEC GCSE The Sciences (Double Award) questions
Is this an official WJEC resource?
No. It is an independent guide aligned to current public WJEC documents. The live specification, Assessment Arrangement Pack, annual secure enquiries, entry information and examination instructions remain authoritative.
Which qualification does this guide cover?
It covers the Qualifications Wales-regulated WJEC GCSE The Sciences (Double Award) taught from September 2026: 3455QD in English or 3455CD in Welsh. It is Made for Wales and not available to centres in England.
Is this the existing GCSE Science (Double Award)?
No. The current reformed qualification is GCSE The Sciences (Double Award) 3455. The outgoing GCSE Science (Double Award) 3430QD has its final full assessment in Summer 2027 and a demand-dependent examination resit in January 2028.
Is it the same as Integrated Science or three separate GCSEs?
No. Integrated Science is a distinct Single Award with little content overlap and is not the intended preparation for science AS/A levels. The Sciences Double Award is also distinct from the separate Biology, Chemistry and Physics GCSEs.
What are Units 1, 2 and 3?
They are Biology - Basis of Life, Chemistry - Chemical Substances and How They Behave, and Physics - Forces, Motion and the Universe. Each is a 75-minute, 56-mark tiered written examination worth 14.3%, first available in Summer 2027.
What are Units 4, 5 and 6?
They are Biology - Continuity of Life, Chemistry - Chemical Bonding, Reactions and Resources, and Physics - Waves, Electricity and Energy. Each is a 75-minute, 64-mark tiered written examination worth 15.7%, first available in Summer 2028.
How does Unit 7 work?
Unit 7 is an untiered, externally marked Scientific Enquiry assessment worth 10%. The centre selects two of three enquiries, one enquiry being available in each discipline. Each selected enquiry is worth 28 marks and takes two hours.
What is the difference between Unit 7 Task A and Task B?
Task A is a one-hour practical task worth 6 marks and permits groups of no more than three. Task B is a one-hour written task worth 22 marks, completed individually under high control with access to the learner's completed Task A.
When is Unit 7 completed?
It should be taken in the final year. The assessment window is any school day in January or February in the first half of the spring term. The first Unit 7 assessment is Spring 2028.
Are there specified practical tasks to teach?
No. Unlike the outgoing structure, WJEC does not prescribe a fixed practical-task list. Centres should embed a suitable range of practical activities and the SE1-SE8 skills throughout all units.
Can learners take different tiers in different units?
Yes. Units 1-6 can be entered at different tiers: Higher makes A*-D available and Foundation makes C-G available. Unit 7 has a single untiered entry.
Are any questions common to both tiers?
Yes. WJEC's current FAQ states that common questions account for 25% of the marks available on the Foundation and Higher papers.
What are the making-connections marks?
Eight marks on each Unit 4, 5 and 6 paper assess linked areas from the Year 10 unit in that same discipline. Unit 4 links to selected Unit 1 Biology content, Unit 5 to Unit 2 Chemistry and Unit 6 to Unit 3 Physics.
Are calculators, equations or a periodic table supplied?
Current Unit 1-6 SAMs permit a calculator and ruler. Units 2 and 5 include a periodic table on the final page; Units 3 and 6 include equations on page 2. Learners must still select and apply the correct relationship.
How is Higher-only content identified?
The specification prints Higher Tier amplification in bold. Italics have a different purpose: they identify earlier-unit content that can be assessed through same-discipline making-connections marks in Units 4-6.
Are there Quality of Extended Response questions?
No legacy QER questions with banded marking are used. Learners can still be required to write extended responses, particularly on Higher Tier papers.
What is the pre-16 terminal rule?
Pre-16 candidates must complete at least 55% of the qualification in the cash-in series. An individual unit may be resat once before a fresh start. Post-16 candidates have no terminal or fresh-start rule.
Can static practice reproduce the whole qualification?
No. A full route depends on six per-unit tier choices plus secure, WJEC-set practical enquiries under controlled conditions. Full-mock mode is therefore disabled.
Are the 601 planned questions included?
No. The 601 figure is only a future-authoring allocation approximately matching the seven-unit weight profile. This module contains study and coverage assets but no question bank or page registration.