Integrating the science disciplines: the new single award GCSE explained
Mazen Abdelmoteleb, Qualifications Manager, takes a look at the new single award GCSE coming to schools and colleges in September 2026.
The new GCSE Integrated Science (Single Award) offers a rich and relevant learning experience for learners who would benefit from a smaller programme of study than GCSE The Sciences (Double Award).
Developed with input from a wide range of experts from the science community, this new integrated science GCSE incorporates insights from professionals actively engaged across the range of science disciplines.
It combines the traditional scientific disciplines with contemporary themes, contexts and skills to help inspire and engage young people in the world of science.
As this single award qualification contains less content than the new double award, it does not readily support progression to AS and A levels in the sciences.
What are the key features of this GCSE?
This new GCSE is organised thematically, giving learners the chance to develop their scientific knowledge, skills, and understanding through a variety of engaging and relevant themes and contexts.
It has been designed to support the Curriculum for Wales, including teaching and learning of the relevant statements of 'what matters' from the science and technology area of learning and experience.
Integrating the scientific disciplines
This qualification is titled Integrated Science to reflect its thematic nature, with each theme drawing on content from biology, chemistry and physics in a way that encourages learners to explore how each discipline connects and relates with the other disciplines.
Exploring scientific learning through relevant and engaging themes and contexts
The content of this qualification brings science to life through two engaging units: living on earth and science in a changing world. Each unit is built around thought-provoking themes and real-world contexts designed to captivate learners. Themes include the environmental impact of different transport methods, climate change, disease prevention and space exploration.
Schools and colleges also have the flexibility to incorporate local examples, making the learning experience even more meaningful and relatable for learners.
Flexible assessment arrangements
As a unitised qualification, learners will have the opportunity to complete one assessment at the end of Year 10. Part of the assessment for Unit 1 will be based on pre-release material. This will give learners the opportunity to engage with relevant materials ahead of the exam, which will support them in applying their scientific knowledge and understanding about a specific topic.
Building a strong foundation in scientific enquiry
Scientific enquiry skills are fundamental to the teaching and learning of science. In line with curriculum guidance, learners are encouraged to be curious, ask questions and seek evidence-based answers. Throughout the qualification, learners will have opportunities to develop their scientific enquiry skills, including identifying the benefits and challenges of using scientific enquiry to explore ideas and answer questions, making informed decisions based on scientific enquiry, and performing data analysis.
As with the new double award, practical scientific skills will be assessed as part of a new Assessment of Scientific Enquiry. This assessment will include a practical element, based on relevant and engaging contexts, as well as questions assessing a range of other enquiry skills.
Next steps for teachers
Over the coming year, WJEC will be rolling out a programme of professional learning and resources to support the delivery of this qualification.
Teachers can access details and register for the following professional learning opportunities via WJEC’s website:
- a specification walk-through
- live, online qualification briefing
- face-to-face ‘Preparing to Teach’ events
- assessment walk-throughs