The examiner guidance for marking calculation questions is that if the answer on the answer line is correct, we would award full marks (unless the question has specifically said that working must be shown). 

However, it’s useful to remember that if the student gets the answer wrong but has shown working they can gain marks for the correct working. On that basis it is good practice to show working to ensure that if the student makes an error it is still possible for them to score some marks.

Where there is a calculation we will always leave space for any working students may need. In addition, to remind students to include their working in their answers, we have added a statement encouraging students to show their working to the front cover of all GCSE (9-1) Science papers: 

‘Where appropriate, your answers should be supported with working. Marks may be given for a correct method even if the answer is incorrect.’ 

For more information about our question papers, please see our 'Exploring our question papers' brochures below.

If you have any queries about this update, please email science@ocr.org.uk or call 01223 553998.

• Exploring our question papers - Twenty First Century Science (PDF, 1MB)

  This guide explores our assessment approach.

  Download

• Exploring our question papers - Gateway Science (PDF, 1MB)

Qualifications

• Gateway Science Suite - Biology A (9-1) - J247 (from 2016)
• Gateway Science Suite - Chemistry A (9-1) - J248 (from 2016)
• Gateway Science Suite - Physics A (9-1) - J249 (from 2016)
• Gateway Science Suite - Combined Science A (9-1) - J250 (from 2016)
• Twenty First Century Science Suite - Biology B (9-1) - J257 (from 2016)
• Twenty First Century Science Suite - Chemistry B (9-1) - J258 (from 2016)
• Twenty First Century Science Suite - Physics B (9-1) - J259 (from 2016)
• Twenty First Century Science Suite - Combined Science B (9-1) - J260 (from 2016)