Entry Level Certificates - Supporting access to GCSE (9-1) Combined Science

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by jayni

Entry Level Certificate in Science is designed to closely align with the study programme and provide a clear progression route to Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Combined Science. It can be delivered as a standalone accredited subject and supports advancement by reinforcing core understanding and increasing engagement. The package is tailored for low-attaining learners, includes flexible internally assessed units that can be retaken, and offers teacher support, mapping documents, course planning, and specimen assessment materials.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time8 min

AccessFree to download

Entry Level Certificates

Supporting access to GCSE (9-1) Combined Science

Teacher support and co-teaching routes of progression

Qualification structure and paper mappings

Assessments and retake flexibility

Getting started and course planning support

Designed to encourage progression to GCSE

Resources for engagement, literacy and recall

Entry Level Certificates Supporting access to GCSE (9-1) Combined Science Supporting access to GCSE (9-1) Combined Science Our Entry Level Certificate in Science has specifically been designed to closely match the programme of study and provide a progression route to GCSE (9-1) Combined Science. It can also be taught as a stand alone subject which students can get accreditation for. The certificate supports advancement in science by cementing core understanding and maximising engagement with the subject. It will also help low attaining students to ease back into science content and re-engage learners when returning to school after a period of lost teaching time. We have increased our support for teachers: Easy to co-teach with GCSE (9-1) Combined Science. Clear routes of progression between Entry Level Certificate and GCSE. High quality support that will help you to plan, teach, track and assess. Designed around the unique challenges at this level: Short assessments with short assessments taken when students are ready. Assessments can be retaken as many times as needed. Engaging resources* designed to support recall and literacy. *Paid-for resources are not a prerequisite for the delivery of our Edexcel specification. Subject Support Our Subject Advisor Irine Muhiuddin is available to answer any questions and provide guidance and support. 0344 463 2934 Fill out a contact form @PearsonSciences Qualifications at a glance Our Entry Level Certificates map to our Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Combined Science structure and units to optimise co-teachability and progression. Each internally assessed unit is only undertaken when you decide your students are ready, and can be retaken as many times as necessary. | Qualification | Paper No. | Paper Name | Contents | Maps to GCSE | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Entry Level
Certificate
in Science | 1 | Biology 1A | Cells, genetics, inheritance and modification | B1 | | | 2 | Biology 1B | Health, disease and the development of medicines | | | | 3 | Chemistry 1A | Atoms, compounds and states of matter | C1 | | | 4 | Chemistry 1B | Separating mixtures, breaking down substances | | | | 5 | Physics 1A | Forces, movement and energy | P1 | | | 6 | Physics 1B | Waves and radiation | | | Assessment | Each Paper | 25 marks | No set time limit | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Qualification | Paper No. | Paper Name | Contents | Maps to GCSE | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Entry Level
Certificate in Further Science | 1 | Biology 2A | Plants and ecosystems | B2 | | | 2 | Biology 2B | Human biology | | | | 3 | Chemistry 2A | Chemical reactions: patterns, energy and rates of reaction | C2 | | | 4 | Chemistry 2B | Chemistry in our world: fuelsand the earth’s atmosphere | | | | 5 | Physics 2A | Electricity and magnets | P2 | | | 6 | Physics 2B | Energy and particles | | | Assessment | Each Paper | 25 marks | No set time limit | | --- | --- | --- | --- | Further information on how GCSE and the Entry Level Certificate map together can be found on our website. Support for every need We’ve put together a package of support to help you co-teach the new Entry Level Certificates in Science with GCSE Combined Science Foundation Tier. Getting started guide gives you an overview of the new Entry Level in Science and Further Science specifications and helps you understand what the changes mean for you and your students. Our Course planner covers a number of different approaches to take account of when you start teaching and whether you are teaching alongside GCSE combined Science or as a standalone qualification. 2, 2.5 and 3-year schemes of work enable co-teaching GCSE and ELC, and allow students to access and prepare for GCSE foundation tier content whilst achieving the Entry Level certificate qualification. Mapping documents to highlight the touchpoints between our ELC and GCSE (9-1) Combined Science course, as well as the KS4 P

FAQs

What is the purpose of the Entry Level Certificate in Science in relation to GCSE (9-1) Combined Science?

It closely matches the programme of study, supports progression to GCSE (9-1) Combined Science, and reinforces core understanding while maximizing engagement.

Can the certificate be taught as a standalone subject?

Yes. The certificate can also be taught as a standalone subject so students can gain accreditation.

How do the assessments work for these internally assessed units?

Each internally assessed unit is undertaken when you decide students are ready and can be retaken as many times as needed, with short assessments when students are ready.

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by jayni