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Getting ready to nail your OCR Triple Science starts by understanding everything you can about the exam.
Take a look at our guide to the exam to understand the format, timings, topics and potential grade boundaries for Triple Science GCSE. Plus, we’ve got top tips on how to prepare and where to find past papers.
Not sure which exam board your school uses? Take a look at our guide to finding out which exam board you’re studying.
Key takeaways:
Triple science counts as three separate GCSEs.
You will study the Gateway Science exam, which separates Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
A formula sheet for Physics will be provided for Triple Science exams.
What’s the format for OCR Triple Science GCSE?
Triple Science is a triple award, meaning you’ll receive three GCSEs.
There are two tiers you can study: Foundation and Higher.
There are six papers: two in Chemistry, two in Physics and two in Biology.
Each paper is 1 hour and 10 minutes long and worth 60 marks each.
Each science discipline is assessed separately across the two papers.
Each separate science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) has its own specification and exam code: J247, J248, J249, respectively.
What’s the difference between Triple Science: Higher and Foundation?
You can take either Higher or Foundation level Triple Science, depending on your level.
Foundation tier Triple Science OCR:
Covers the core topics you need to know and excludes more complex or demanding areas.
In Foundation Triple Science, you can achieve a maximum grade of 5.
Higher tier Triple Science OCR:
The higher tier covers both core and more advanced topics across the curriculum.
For Higher tier Triple Science, you can achieve a maximum grade of 9 - the highest possible grade.
The lowest grade you can get is a 4.
Your school will place you in the correct tier based on your performance in Year 9. Sometimes, students may be moved up or down a tier during Year 10 or 11.
OCR requires all Triple Science exams to be taken at the same level, so you cannot do Higher for one subject and Foundation for another.
Is there an equations sheet for Triple Science OCR?
Yes! It’s been confirmed that equation sheets will continue to be provided for OCR Triple Science.
The sheet will cover key formulas used for Physics and will be provided for the Triple Science exams. The formula sheet includes key equations needed for both Foundation and Higher tier Physics.
Take a look at the 2025 equation sheet.
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What are the grade boundaries for Triple Science GCSE?
It’s important to remember that the exact grade boundaries for your GCSE exams will change every year.
Exam boards adjust the grade boundaries after an exam has happened, depending on how advanced the exam content was and how the cohort performed.
This is so students don’t have an advantage or disadvantage because of the year they took the paper. For example, if your paper were harder, grade boundaries would be lowered so that a grade 5 reflects the same level of knowledge as in previous years.
Let’s take a look at the grade boundaries for OCR Triple Science from 2024 to get a sense of how grades are awarded:
Remember, these won’t be the exact grade boundaries, but should give you a sense of how many marks to aim for to hit your target grades.
Learn more: take a look at our blog on how GCSE exams are graded.
*These are for all three subjects.
Where can I find past papers and mark schemes?
Practising with past papers and mark schemes is one of the most effective ways to prepare for GCSE Triple Science.
Past papers help you understand question styles, see how marks are awarded, and build confidence with real exam timing and structure.
Head to the OCR website to find past papers and mark schemes from previous GCSE Triple Science exams for Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
What key topics do I need to know for OCR Triple Science GCSE?
Triple Science papers cover a range of topics. You’ll need a thorough understanding of each to achieve top marks, so make sure you revise any areas you find tricky ahead of the exams.
The main topics for Triple Science are:
Biology topics
B1: Cell level systems
B2: Scaling up
B3: Organism level systems
B4: Community level systems
B5: Genes, inheritance and selection
B6: Global challenges
B7: Practical skills
Chemistry topics
C1: Particles
C2: Elements, compounds and mixtures
C3: Chemical reactions
C4: Predicting and identifying reactions and products
C5: Monitoring and controlling chemical reactions
C6 Global challenges
C7: Practical skills
Physics topics
P1: Matter
P2: Forces
P3: Electricity
P4: Magnetism and magnetic fields
P5: Waves in matter
P6: Radioactivity
P7: Energy
P8: Global challenges
P9: Practical skills
Check out the OCR GCSE Triple Science specifications for more.
What are examiners looking for?
The assessment objectives for GCSE Triple Science are set by Ofqual, the exams regulator, and are consistent across exam boards.
Examiners are looking for the following in your exam papers:
AO1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas; scientific techniques and procedures
AO2: Apply knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas; scientific enquiry, techniques and procedures
AO3: Analyse information and ideas to interpret and evaluate; make judgments and draw conclusions; develop and improve experimental procedures
How can I prepare for OCR Triple Science GCSE?
To prepare for Triple Science exams, you’ll need to start revising early to make sure you’re confident covering all the key topics.
5 top tips to prepare for GCSE Triple Science:
1. Understand key vocabulary, definitions and units
Don’t miss out on marks for questions asking you to state or define terms. Make sure you get your head around the key vocab, definitions and units. You can use flashcards to help you memorise key terms and quiz yourself.
2. Use practice papers and mark schemes
Practising exam questions from past papers and checking your answers will help you get used to the question format and understand how to get top marks. You can also take a whole test and practise under timed conditions too, to build confidence for the real thing.
3. Mix up your revision techniques
It’s a good idea to try a mix of revision tactics. From flashcards to teaching others, a mix will help learning to stick. Studying little and often will also help you avoid fatigue and burnout.
4. Practise applying and analysing knowledge and ideas
Assessment objectives 2 and 3 are asking you to apply what you know to analyse and draw conclusions. When you learn a new concept, try asking yourself: how can I apply this in a different scenario? Or what assumptions or errors might affect this conclusion?
5. Plan, review, and adapt your revision
After each mock or practice paper you take, identify the topics or question types you struggle with, then prioritise those in your next revision cycle. Over time, your weak areas will shrink and your confidence will grow!
Preparing for OCR Triple Science starts with understanding the format and key topics of the exams. Once you know what to expect, you’ll be able to revise thoroughly and enter the exam hall with confidence!
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