WJEC GCE · Wales

WJEC A Level tutoring, unit by unit

Guides to 4 WJEC GCE AS & A Level specifications — every unit with its duration, marks and weighting, a unit-by-unit content overview, the assessment objectives and how to pick up marks — plus personalized coaching across both years.

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  • AS and A2 units
  • Practical examination support
  • Option and route advice
4

Subject guides

2

Stages: AS & A2

15

Min. practical weighting (%)

WJEC GCE AS & A Level

How the qualification is built

WJEC structures its A Levels as numbered units rather than combinable papers. AS units carry forward into the A Level, and in the sciences a dedicated practical examination sits alongside the written units.

Units, not combinations

AS 1, AS 2, then A2 3, 4 and 5. Each carries a fixed weighting, and in Mathematics every unit is compulsory — there is no choice of route.

A practical examination

In Biology and Chemistry, Unit 5 is a practical exam worth 10%, split into an experimental task and an analysis task. Its topics are announced each spring term.

Minimum skill weightings

Every series guarantees a floor for mathematical and practical skills: at least 15% practical, and at least 10% maths in Biology or 20% in Chemistry.

Also studying Cambridge? The two boards differ most in flexibility. WJEC Mathematics has four compulsory units and no optional routes, where Cambridge 9709 is built by combining components. You cannot sidestep a weaker topic here by picking a different unit.

Subject guides · Biology and Chemistry

WJEC Sciences

Biology and Chemistry share a five-unit shape — two AS units, two A2 units and a practical examination — and identical assessment objective wording, though the weightings differ slightly between them.

Unit 5 topics land each spring term. WJEC announces the practical topic areas mid-course, which makes them a revision milestone rather than a surprise — once they are out, they tell you exactly which techniques to prioritise.

Tap a subject to see its units, content and exam tips.

Assessment at a glance

WJEC Biology unit structure, marks and weighting
UnitTitleDurationMarksWeighting
AS 1Basic Biochemistry and Cell Organisation1h 30m8020%
AS 2Biodiversity and Physiology of Body Systems1h 30m8020%
A2 3Energy, Homeostasis and the Environment2h9025%
A2 4Variation, Inheritance and Options2h9025%
A2 5Practical Examination—5010%

Unit 4 splits into Section A (70 marks, core content) and Section B (20 marks, one option chosen from Immunology and Disease, Human Musculoskeletal Anatomy, or Neurobiology and Behaviour). Unit 5 comprises an Experimental Task (20 marks) and a Practical Analysis Task (30 marks); topic areas are announced each spring term.

Content overview

AS Unit 1 — Basic Biochemistry and Cell Organisation
  • Chemical elements are joined together to form biological compounds
  • Cell structure and organisation · Cell membranes and transport
  • Biological reactions are regulated by enzymes
  • Nucleic acids and their functions · Genetic information is copied and passed to daughter cells
AS Unit 2 — Biodiversity and Physiology of Body Systems
  • All organisms are related through their evolutionary history
  • Adaptations for gas exchange · Adaptations for transport · Adaptations for nutrition
A2 Unit 3 — Energy, Homeostasis and the Environment
  • Importance of ATP · Photosynthesis · Respiration
  • Microbiology · Population size and ecosystems · Human impact on the environment
A2 Unit 4 — Variation, Inheritance and Options
  • Sexual reproduction in humans and in plants
  • Inheritance · Variation and evolution · Application of reproduction and genetics
  • Option (choose one): Immunology and Disease · Human Musculoskeletal Anatomy · Neurobiology and Behaviour

Assessment objectives

WJEC Biology assessment objective weightings
ObjectiveASA Level
AO120% (50% of AS)30.0%
AO218% (45% of AS)45.0%
AO38% (20% of AS)25.0%
AO1
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures.
AO2
Apply that knowledge and understanding in theoretical and practical contexts, and when handling qualitative and quantitative data.
AO3
Analyse, interpret and evaluate scientific information, ideas and evidence to make judgements, reach conclusions, and refine practical design.

For every series, mathematical skills carry a minimum 10% weighting and practical skills a minimum 15% weighting across the full qualification.

Exam tips

  1. 1Unit 5’s practical topics are announced by WJEC each spring term — build this into your revision calendar rather than treating practical skills as a last-minute add-on.
  2. 2AO2 (application) carries the largest share of marks — practice applying core concepts to unfamiliar contexts, not just recalling definitions.
  3. 3Choose your Unit 4 Section B option early and go deep — switching options close to the exam leaves too little time to build real depth.
  4. 4Use precise biological terminology throughout — WJEC mark schemes reward exact language over an approximately-correct description.

Assessment at a glance

WJEC Chemistry unit structure, marks and weighting
UnitTitleDurationMarksWeighting
AS 1The Language of Chemistry, Structure of Matter and Simple Reactions1h 30m8020%
AS 2Energy, Rate and Chemistry of Carbon Compounds1h 30m8020%
A2 3Physical and Inorganic Chemistry1h 45m8025%
A2 4Organic Chemistry and Analysis1h 45m8025%
A2 5Practical Examination—6010%

Unit 5 comprises an Experimental Task (30 marks) and a Practical Methods and Analysis Task (30 marks); main themes are shared with centres each spring term.

Content overview

AS Unit 1 — Language, Structure and Simple Reactions
  • Formulae and equations · Basic ideas about atoms · Chemical calculations
  • Bonding · Solid structures · The Periodic Table · Simple equilibria and acid-base reactions
AS Unit 2 — Energy, Rate and Carbon Compounds
  • Thermochemistry · Rates of reaction · The wider impact of chemistry
  • Organic compounds · Hydrocarbons · Halogenoalkanes · Alcohols and carboxylic acids · Instrumental analysis
A2 Unit 3 — Physical and Inorganic Chemistry
  • Redox and standard electrode potential · Redox reactions
  • Chemistry of the p-block · Chemistry of the d-block transition metals
  • Chemical kinetics · Enthalpy changes for solids and solutions
  • Entropy and feasibility of reactions · Equilibrium constants · Acid-base equilibria
A2 Unit 4 — Organic Chemistry and Analysis
  • Stereoisomerism · Aromaticity · Alcohols and phenols · Aldehydes and ketones
  • Carboxylic acids and their derivatives · Amines · Amino acids, peptides and proteins
  • Organic synthesis and analysis

Assessment objectives

WJEC Chemistry assessment objective weightings
ObjectiveA Level
AO130.4%
AO244.2%
AO325.4%
AO1
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures.
AO2
Apply that knowledge and understanding in theoretical and practical contexts, and when handling qualitative and quantitative data.
AO3
Analyse, interpret and evaluate scientific information, ideas and evidence to make judgements, reach conclusions, and refine practical design.

Every series, mathematical skills are weighted at least 20% in Chemistry (10% in Biology) and practical skills at least 15%, across the qualification as a whole.

Exam tips

  1. 1Mole and quantitative calculations are woven through mathematical-skills marks worth at least 20% of the whole qualification — keep this fluent from the start.
  2. 2AO2 (application) is worth nearly half the marks — practice applying reaction mechanisms and principles to unfamiliar compounds, not just naming them.
  3. 3Keep a personal glossary of command words (state, explain, deduce, justify) — WJEC mark schemes are written closely against them.
  4. 4Revisit Unit 5’s announced spring-term themes as soon as they’re released — they shape exactly what practical technique revision to prioritise.

Subject guides · Mathematics and Further Mathematics

WJEC Mathematics

Mathematics is fully compulsory across four units. Further Mathematics adds six, with three compulsory AS units and a choice at A2 between the Statistics and the Mechanics route.

Tap a subject to see its units, content and exam tips.

Assessment at a glance

WJEC Mathematics unit structure, marks and weighting
UnitTitleDurationMarksWeighting
AS 1Pure Mathematics A2h 30m12025%
AS 2Applied Mathematics A (Statistics + Mechanics)1h 45m7515%
A2 3Pure Mathematics B2h 30m12035%
A2 4Applied Mathematics B (Statistics + Differential Equations/Mechanics)1h 45m8025%

All four units are compulsory — unlike Cambridge 9709, there is no choice of component combination. Unit 2 splits into Statistics (40 marks) and Mechanics (35 marks); Unit 4 splits into Statistics (40 marks) and Differential Equations & Mechanics (40 marks). A calculator is required in every unit.

Content overview

AS Unit 1 — Pure Mathematics A
  • Proof · Algebra and Functions · Coordinate geometry in the (x, y) plane
  • Sequences and Series (the Binomial Theorem) · Trigonometry
  • Exponentials and logarithms · Differentiation · Integration · Vectors
AS Unit 2 — Applied Mathematics A
  • Statistics: Statistical sampling · Data presentation and interpretation · Probability · Statistical distributions · Statistical hypothesis testing
  • Mechanics: Quantities and units in mechanics · Kinematics · Forces and Newton’s laws · Vectors
A2 Unit 3 — Pure Mathematics B
  • Proof · Algebra and Functions · Coordinate geometry in the (x, y) plane
  • Sequences and Series · Trigonometry · Differentiation · Integration · Numerical Methods
A2 Unit 4 — Applied Mathematics B
  • Statistics: Probability · Statistical distributions · Statistical hypothesis testing
  • Differential Equations & Mechanics: Trigonometry · Differentiation · Integration · Quantities and units in mechanics · Kinematics · Forces and Newton’s laws · Moments · Vectors

Assessment objectives

WJEC Mathematics assessment objective weightings
ObjectiveASA Level
AO120% (50% of AS)50%
AO210% (25% of AS)25%
AO310% (25% of AS)25%
AO1
Use and apply standard techniques: select and correctly carry out routine procedures, and accurately recall facts, terminology and definitions.
AO2
Reason, interpret and communicate mathematically: construct rigorous arguments and proofs, make deductions, assess validity, and use correct notation.
AO3
Solve problems within mathematics and in other contexts: translate real and mathematical problems into processes, build and evaluate mathematical models.

Exam tips

  1. 1Every unit is compulsory here — unlike Cambridge 9709, there’s no flexibility to avoid a weaker topic area by choosing a different component combination.
  2. 2AO1 alone is half the total marks — fluent, accurate execution of standard techniques is the single highest-leverage thing to drill.
  3. 3The large-data-set requirement means real, messy data appears in Statistics questions — practice with genuine data sets, not just clean textbook numbers.
  4. 4A formula booklet is provided, but it excludes basic formulae you’re expected to recall — check Appendix B of the specification to know exactly what is not given.

Assessment at a glance

WJEC Further Mathematics unit structure, marks and weighting
UnitTitleDurationMarksWeighting
AS 1Further Pure Mathematics A1h 30m7013%
AS 2Further Statistics A1h 30m7013%
AS 3Further Mechanics A1h 30m7013%
A2 4Further Pure Mathematics B (compulsory)2h 30m12035%
A2 5Further Statistics B (choice)1h 45m8025%
A2 6Further Mechanics B (choice)1h 45m8025%

All three AS units are compulsory. At A2, Unit 4 is compulsory and candidates choose either Unit 5 (Further Statistics B) or Unit 6 (Further Mechanics B) — the two cannot be combined.

Content overview

AS Unit 1 — Further Pure Mathematics A
  • Proof · Complex Numbers · Matrices · Further Algebra and Functions · Further Vectors
AS Unit 2 — Further Statistics A
  • Random Variables and the Poisson Process
  • Exploring relationships between variables and goodness of fit
AS Unit 3 — Further Mechanics A
  • Momentum and Impulse · Hooke’s Law, Work, Energy and Power
  • Circular Motion · Differentiation and Integration of Vectors
A2 Unit 4 — Further Pure Mathematics B (compulsory)
  • Complex Numbers · Further Trigonometry · Matrices · Further Algebra and Functions
  • Further Calculus · Polar Coordinates · Hyperbolic Functions · Differential Equations
A2 Unit 5 — Further Statistics B (option)
  • Samples and Populations · Statistical Distributions · Hypothesis Testing · Estimation
A2 Unit 6 — Further Mechanics B (option)
  • Rectilinear Motion · Momentum and Impulse · Moments and Centre of Mass
  • Equilibrium of Rigid Bodies · Differential Equations

Assessment objectives

WJEC Further Mathematics assessment objective weightings
ObjectiveASA Level
AO120% (50% of AS)50%
AO210% (25% of AS)25%
AO310% (25% of AS)25%
AO1
Use and apply standard techniques: select and correctly carry out routine procedures, and accurately recall facts, terminology and definitions.
AO2
Reason, interpret and communicate mathematically: construct rigorous arguments and proofs, make deductions, assess validity, and use correct notation.
AO3
Solve problems within mathematics and in other contexts: translate real and mathematical problems into processes, build and evaluate mathematical models.

Exam tips

  1. 1Decide on your Unit 5 versus Unit 6 route (Statistics or Mechanics) as early as possible — the two are taught and revised quite differently, so switching late is costly.
  2. 2Complex numbers and matrices span multiple units (AS 1 and A2 4) at increasing depth — master the AS-level treatment thoroughly, since A2 builds directly on it.
  3. 3A calculator is required in every unit, but the formula booklet excludes basic content you must recall from memory — check Appendix B of the specification.
  4. 4A book of statistical tables is permitted for Unit 2 and Unit 5 only — confirm your own copy is the WJEC-approved edition before exam day.

WJEC with KollegePrep

Coaching unit by unit

Because WJEC weights each unit explicitly, progress is easy to plan against: cover the heavily weighted A2 units properly, keep the practical examination in the calendar rather than bolted on at the end, and settle option choices early.

Personalized sessions

Built around your units and the grades you are aiming for.

Experienced teachers

Educators who make sure you understand concepts deeply and perform your best in the exam.

Regular assignments

Practice after each unit, so nothing is left until the final term.

Monthly assessments

Tests and feedback sessions that track progress and keep parents informed.

Recorded lectures

Revisit any concept at your own pace, as often as you need.

Practical preparation

Working the announced Unit 5 themes into revision as soon as WJEC releases them.

Tell us your subjects, which units you are sitting and your exam series. We will plan sessions around exactly what those units ask, including the options you have chosen.

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FAQ

WJEC A Level questions

WJEC, the Welsh Joint Education Committee, is an awarding body offering GCE AS and A Level qualifications, most widely in Wales. These guides cover the Wales specifications. WJEC A Levels are structured in numbered units — AS 1, AS 2, A2 3 and so on — rather than the paper-combination model Cambridge uses.

By units, with the AS units carrying forward into the A Level. Biology and Chemistry each have five units: two AS units at 20% apiece, two A2 units at 25% apiece, and a practical examination worth 10%. Mathematics has four compulsory units weighted 25%, 15%, 35% and 25%. Further Mathematics has six units, of which three AS units and one A2 unit are compulsory, with a choice between two A2 options.

In both Biology and Chemistry, Unit 5 is a practical examination worth 10% of the qualification. In Biology it splits into an Experimental Task (20 marks) and a Practical Analysis Task (30 marks); in Chemistry into an Experimental Task (30 marks) and a Practical Methods and Analysis Task (30 marks). Practical skills carry a minimum 15% weighting across the qualification as a whole, so the practical contribution is larger than Unit 5 alone suggests.

Each spring term. WJEC announces the Unit 5 topic areas in Biology and shares the main themes with centres in Chemistry. Because the announcement lands mid-course, it is worth building into a revision calendar rather than treating practical work as a last-minute addition — once the themes are out, they tell you exactly which techniques to prioritise.

In two places. Biology Unit 4 Section B offers a choice of one option from Immunology and Disease, Human Musculoskeletal Anatomy, or Neurobiology and Behaviour. Further Mathematics requires a choice at A2 between Unit 5 (Further Statistics B) and Unit 6 (Further Mechanics B), which cannot be combined. Mathematics and Chemistry have no optional units — everything is compulsory.

WJEC Mathematics is simpler in structure and less flexible. All four units are compulsory, with no choice of component combination, whereas Cambridge 9709 is built by combining papers and offers several valid routes. A calculator is required in every WJEC unit. The practical consequence is that you cannot avoid a weaker topic area by choosing a different combination, so every unit has to be covered.

The sciences and the maths subjects differ. In Biology, AO1 is 30%, AO2 45% and AO3 25% at A Level; Chemistry is very close at 30.4%, 44.2% and 25.4%. In both Mathematics and Further Mathematics, AO1 is 50%, AO2 25% and AO3 25%. So the sciences reward application most, while the maths subjects put half the marks on accurate execution of standard techniques.

Yes, but it deliberately excludes basic formulae you are expected to recall from memory. Appendix B of the specification lists exactly what is and is not given, and it is worth checking early so you know what to commit to memory. A book of statistical tables is permitted in Further Mathematics for Unit 2 and Unit 5 only, and it must be the WJEC-approved edition.

Four: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Further Mathematics. Each guide lists the unit structure with durations, marks and weightings, a unit-by-unit content overview, the assessment objectives with their AS and A Level weightings, and exam tips.

Through personalized sessions built around your units and the grades you are aiming for, taught by experienced teachers. Regular assignments reinforce each unit, monthly assessments and feedback sessions track progress and keep parents informed, and recorded lectures let you revisit concepts at your own pace. Message us on WhatsApp or send an enquiry with your subjects, your units and your exam series.

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