OCR Gateway

OCRï¿½s Gateway course has the Extension Physics in Units P5 and P6, which are assessed by means of terminal examination. Students also conduct (as part of GCSE Physics, but not necessarily drawing on contexts from Extension Physics) either ï¿½can-doï¿½ tasks and ï¿½Science in the newsï¿½, or a research study, data tasks and practical skills. It is likely that, at least to start with, students will be asked to use contexts drawn from the modules common to Science or Additional Science to ease internal standardisation practices. Nevertheless, the context could be drawn from those in P5 and P6 and so possibilities will be identified.

'Can-do' tasks provide opportunities to demonstrate practical capabilities and explore the ways in which scientific evidence is collected. These are monitored and recorded throughout the course as the candidate fulfils them.

The report on 'Science in the news' aims to give candidates an insight into how science is reported to the public, the validity of underlying research, and claims or recommendations made based on the research. Candidates are required to use stimulus material provided by OCR and other sources of information to research the way in which scientific data and ideas are dealt with by the media. The number of reports attempted is at the discretion of the centre, but the results of only one may be submitted.

In the research study, candidates are required to use stimulus material provided by OCR and other sources of information to research scientific ideas.

In the data task, candidates are required to analyse and evaluate data and to plan further work (which will not be carried out).

For practical skills, the ability to carry out practical tasks safely and skilfully is assessed holistically.