April 2024 Teaching Science update

For GCSE Science centres must confirm that students have completed the mandatory core practicals by completing and submitting a GCSE Head Teacher declaration form. You can access the Head Teacher declaration form, along with accompanying FAQs, from the links below. 

GCSE Head Teacher declaration form GCSE (9-1) in Biology/Chemistry/Physics/Combined Science 85.1 KB pdf /content/dam/pdf/GCSE/Science/2016/forms-and-administration/GCSE-9-1-Biology-Chemistry-Physics-Combined-Science-Practical-Science-Declaration.pdf false FAQs Practical Science Statement 107.6 KB pdf /content/dam/pdf/GCSE/Science/2016/forms-and-administration/FAQs practical science statement.pdf false

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The declaration form should be submitted to Pearson via our online form by 15 April in the year of certification.

• Online form to submit the GCSE Science Head Teacher declaration form

Any failure by centres to provide the declaration will be treated as malpractice and/or maladministration.

From Summer 2024 students will have access to a detached periodic table that will be provided as an insert inside chemistry papers for GCSE Chemistry and GCSE Combined Science. This change is a result of feedback we have received from schools last summer.

Prior to this, the periodic table has been printed at the back of question papers requiring students to refer to the back of the paper for those questions that required it. Going forward, the periodic table will no longer be printed at the back of papers - instead it will be provided as a detached insert inside the chemistry exam papers.

The periodic table insert will be the same as the one printed in previous past papers. Exactly the same periodic table insert will be provided in all chemistry papers - across GCSE Chemistry, GCSE Combined Science and Higher and Foundation tiers.

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Students sitting GCSE Physics and GCSE Combined Science will be provided with an equation sheet in Summer 2024 exams. This was confirmed by Ofqual in December 2023 following their consultation outcome on equation and formula sheets. 

The equation sheet will be provided as an insert in the exam papers as it was in the Summer 2023 examination series. It is also possible to view and download the equation sheet from the Pearson Science qualification page so students can become familiar with it ahead of their exams.

GCSE Physics Combined Science - Equations list 120.7 KB pdf /content/dam/pdf/GCSE/Science/2016/teaching-and-learning-materials/gcse-physics-exam-aid-1ph01sc0.pdf false

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• View the Ofqual consultation on equation and formula sheets

25 June 2024 at 09:30 - 16:00 GMT 

A new face-to-face event will be taking place this summer for teachers or heads of department who deliver our GCSE Science qualifications. There will be a selection of speakers relevant to our GCSE specification - focusing on topics ranging from practicals, data analysis to understanding the way our assessments work. There will be opportunities to listen, learn and discuss the wonderful world of science teaching with other like-minded colleagues.

Event Fee (GBP) £99 excl. Tax | Pearson Event Code 1SC0-23F1/01

• Find out more and register your place

The Pearson Edexcel A Level Biology A 9BN0 (SNAB) Paper 3 Scientific Article for the Summer 2024 exam series is available for secure download from the qualification page from the 'Course Materials' section. A direct link to the article has also been provided below.

The article can be given to students so they can study and annotate it over the coming weeks in preparation for the Paper 3 examination paper 9BN0/03. Students are not allowed to take their annotated copy into the examination room - there will be a fresh copy provided inside examination paper. In the unlikely event that fresh copies are missing, then please download it from the qualification page.

Scientific Article - Paper 3 (9BN0_03) - June 2024 571.5 KB pdf /content/dam/secure/silver/all-uk-and-international/a-level/biology-a/2015/teaching-and-learning-materials/p74458ra-sa-gce-biology-a-9bn0-03.pdf false

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From Summer 2024 all students will be provided with a separate  'Lists of data, formulae and relationships booklet' inside the AS and A level Physics exam papers.

The booklet will be provided as an insert inside the AS and A level Physics exam papers. There will be a booklet for the AS papers, and a booklet for A level papers.

Due to this change, the 'Lists of data, formulae and relationships' will no longer be printed at the back of question papers as in previous exams series. Students can instead use the booklets that will be provided as an insert going forward.

You can view and download both AS and A level booklets from the qualification page and use them with your students as required e.g. for exam practice.

Centres are required to sign and send in the A level Science Head Teacher form by the 15 May to declare that students have completed the practical activities that meet the practical Endorsement requirements of the A level science specifications. You can access the Headteacher declaration form, along with accompanying CPAC FAQs, from the link below. The form has been updated this year with a statement on AI use.

A Level CPAC head teacher declaration form 111.4 KB pdf /content/dam/pdf/A Level/biology-a/2015/teaching-and-learning-materials/a-level-cpac-head-teacher-declaration-form.pdf false CPAC FAQs Revised September 2024 158.3 KB pdf /content/dam/pdf/A Level/biology-a/2015/teaching-and-learning-materials/cpac-faqs.pdf false

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The completed Head Teacher declaration form should be submitted online to Pearson via the form below. 

• Online form to submit the A level Science Head Teacher declaration form

A ‘Pass’ (P) or ‘Not Classified’ (NC) decision for each student should also be submitted on Edexcel Online by 15 May. This can be done through the  'coursework marks' option on Edexcel Online.

Note, Edexcel Online (EOL) access and profile permissions are set by the Exams Officer at each centre. If the Exams Officer requires any support with EOL then our Exams Officer support team can be contacted on 0344 463 2535.

To help you prepare students for the upcoming exam series you may want to watch our pre-recorded feedback events for Pearson Edexcel A Level Sciences that look at how students performed in the Summer 2023 exams. All recordings are available on the Professional Academy page.

• Go to the Professional Development Academy page to listen Summer 2023 feedback recordings

For GCSE Astronomy students must undertake at least one unaided and one aided observation from the selection listed in the specification. This list is also provided in our Observations Skills Guide.  It is important to realise that these mandatory observations are the minimum number of observations that should be taken during the course. Students will need to use their knowledge and understanding of observational techniques and procedures in the written assessments. As always, centres are responsible for ensuring appropriate safety procedures are followed whenever their students complete observational activities.

Centres must also confirm that each student has completed at least one unaided and one aided observation by completing and submitting an Observation Statement. This must be submitted to Pearson by 15th April in the year of certification. Any failure by centres to provide this Observation Statement will be treated as malpractice and/or maladministration.

GCSE Astronomy Headteacher Declaration Form Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 in GCSE (9-1) in Astronomy: Observation Statement 138.7 KB pdf /content/dam/pdf/GCSE/Astronomy/2017/forms-and-administration/gcse-astronomy-headteacher-declaration-form.pdf false

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The completed observation statement needs to be uploaded and submitted to Pearson via our online form.

• Online form to submit Observation Statement

The final date for submitting marks and samples for ELC assessments is 15 May in the year of certification. Please note, however,  that your Exams Officer may have their own internal deadlines.

Our updated assessment record forms that need to be used this year can be found on the links below which now include a statement about AI use. Also provided below is guidance on submitting samples.

NSC0 - Assessment record and authentication sheet 65.9 KB pdf /content/dam/pdf/Entry Level Certificate/Science/2016/forms-and-administration/nsco-assessment-record-and-authentication-sheet.pdf false NSF0 - Assessment record and authentication sheet 64.3 KB pdf /content/dam/pdf/Entry Level Certificate/Science/2016/forms-and-administration/nfso-assessment-record-and-authentication-sheet.pdf false Submitting assessment material 282.8 KB pdf /content/dam/pdf/Entry Level Certificate/Science/2016/forms-and-administration/elc-science-submitting-assessment-material.pdf false

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The International Advanced Level Biology pre-release scientific article for Unit 5 (WBI15) is available to download from the qualification page. A direct link to the article has also been provided below. 

The article can be given to students so they can study and annotate it over the coming weeks in preparation for the Unit 5 examination paper. Students are not allowed to take their annotated copy into the examination room - there will be a fresh copy enclosed inside the Unit 5 written examination paper. In the unlikely event that this is missing, or if you do not have enough copies, you can download the article from the website. If you have any private/external candidates registered to sit this examination, please also provide them with a copy too.

Please note, you will require an Edexcel Online (EOL) account to securely download the article. Your Exams Officer will be able to create an EOL account for you if you don't already have one.

Scientific Article - Unit 5 (WBI15) - June 2024 74.0 KB pdf /content/dam/secure/silver/all-uk-and-international/international-advanced-level/biology/2018/teaching-and-learning-materials/w78347a-ial-biology-wbi15-01.pdf false

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The Ofqual announcement earlier in the year on equation and formula sheets relates specifically to UK GCSE Science and Maths qualifications. Pearson is also taking the same approach for International GCSE Physics, and International GCSE Science Double, and Science Single Awards (physics papers) where students will also have access to a revised equation sheet in Summer 2024 exams. The equation sheets for these qualifications have been uploaded onto the qualification pages and can be accessed from the links below for familiarity, student exam practice and revision. 

• International GCSE Physics
• International GCSE Science Double Award
• International GCSE Science Single Award

You can view current training opportunities and look out for new training on our Professional Development Academy page. Some upcoming events are listed below.

• Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level Biology: Welcome to Pearson (Module 1) April 2024 15 April 2024 at 09:00-11:00 BST

• Understanding Assessment and Improving Outcomes in Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry (Module 2) 22 April 2024 at 13:00-15:00 BST

• Understanding Assessment and Improving Outcomes in Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level Chemistry (Module 2)25 April 2024 at 13:00-15:00 BST

• Understanding Assessment and Improving Outcomes in Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Physics (Module 1) 25 April 2024 at 13:00 - 15:00 GMT

• Understanding Assessment and Improving Outcomes in Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Physics (Module 2) 29 April 2024 at 13:00 - 15:00 GMT

• Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level Biology: Welcome to Pearson (Module 2) April 2024 29 April 2024 at 09:00-11:00 BST

• Understanding Assessment and Improving Outcomes in Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Biology (Module 1) 30 April 2024 at 13:00-15:00 BST

• Understanding Assessment and Improving Outcomes in Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level Physics (Module 1) 01 May 2024 at 13:00 - 15:00 GMT

• Understanding Assessment and Improving Outcomes in Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Biology (Module 2) 01 May 2024 at 13:00 - 15:00 GMT

• Understanding Assessment and Improving Outcomes in Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level Biology (Module 1) 02 May 2024 at 13:00 - 15:00 GMT

• Understanding Assessment and Improving Outcomes in Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level Biology (Module 2) 07 May 2024 at 13:00 - 15:00 GMT

• Understanding Assessment and Improving Outcomes in Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level Physics (Module 2) 08 May 2024 at 13:00 - 15:00 GMT

Please also visit the Professional Development Academy pages to view face-2-face training opportunities occurring in some regions. 

• Go to the Professional Development Academy page to register and view all training opportunities

We will soon be introducing modular International GCSE specifications for overseas students. More information can be obtained from our web page and International science guide - see links provided below.

Modular Intenational GCSE Science qualifications are for first teaching from September 2024 with first assessment May/June 2025.

The present linear specifications are not being removed and will continue to be available. There will simply be a choice between the existing specifications following the linear assessment route, or the new specifications, that will follow a modular assessment route. Please note, the modular assessment route will not be available for students based in the UK.

• Go to the modular International GCSE webpage

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Every month we release Pearson Edexcel View from the Lab Podcasts. These aim to inform, engage and entertain with the help of thought leaders, science journalists and education specialists, joining us for each episode.

In this episode of the pod Andy Woods chats to Alex Gray – a true ‘early adopter’ in the application of AI to science education. Alex is an experienced Biology teacher who has taught both in UK and International schools and is currently based in Dubai. Not only does he teach, but he also contributes to the CPD world with his digital content found at www.deepprofessional.com. Alex has embraced the world of AI and explains in this episode how it has transformed his practice and how it can transform yours too. We talk about the seismic shift it has had on the education world and discuss how teachers today can leverage the power of these new tools to elevate their teaching. It’s a fascinating discussion that will develop your understanding of AI and what it can do to make your teaching life better!

• Listen to 'View from the Lab Podcasts'

The Ofqual Student Guide 2024 provides students with information about this year’s arrangements for GCSE, AS and A level qualifications, and explains what support is in place when taking exams and assessment.

• Read the Ofqual Student Guide 2024

The JCQ has a range of information and support for students – from coursework and onscreen exams to written exams, along with a checklist for exam day.

• Take a look at all the support JCQ have to offer for students

As the revision season is now fully under way and students begin to turn their focus towards the summer exam series, we’d like to share our 'Getting ready for exams' guide below that includes some top tips and advice including:

- preparing for exams
- what happens on exam day
- where to find further support
- what happens once exams are over.

You can can also stay up to date with all our support for 2024 on our Qualifications assessment support page -  link provided below.

Getting ready for exams - top tips for students 227.1 KB pdf /content/dam/pdf/Support/getting-ready-for-exams-student-guide.pdf false

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• Qualifications assessment support page for 2024

Pearson is interested to understand centre usage of word-processed scripts.

As we make the final preparations for the summer series, we have a few questions

for you. Please take one minute to answer a few questions via the short form below.

• Word processed exams

Timetables for this academic year are available on our website. We have also published our provisional timetables for Summer 2025.

• View Summer 2024 timetables
• View Provisional Summer 2025 timetables

This academic year we have a general qualifications assessment support page. Here you can find news, information and updates from Ofqual, the DfE, JCQ and Pearson relating to exams and assessments for our GCSE, AS and A level qualifications.

It will be updated regularly with the latest announcements, news, support materials to enable you to teach our qualifications and help your students with assessments and post-results support.

• Go to the assessment support page

The JCQ have recently updated their guidance on the 'Use of AI in Assessments' document. This guidance is designed to help students and teachers to complete NEAs, coursework and other internal assessments successfully.   

• Read updated guidance on AI from JCQ

We have a Teaching, Learning and Assessment 2023/24 web page which will contain the most up-to-date information on vocational assessment for this academic year. The link to this page is provided below and it is a page you can refer to during the year.

• Visit our Teaching, Learning and Assessment 2023/24 webpage

We send out regular Vocational Qualification Bulletins to keep centres informed of our support and services. You can sign-up for these and also read previous bulletins on our website.

Sign-up to receive regular vocational qualification bulletins 

Read previous vocational qualification bulletins on our website

View the latest BTEC Science update on the science news page and keep an eye out for new updates.

• Science news page

You can sign-up to recieve email alerts to my updates via our web form - see link provided below.

• Sign-up to email alerts via the Pearson web form

Pearson general qualifications bulletins are sent regularly providing you with key information and updates on our qualifications and assessments for both UK and International centres. You can sign-up to receive these from the link below.

• Read and sign-up to Pearson Qualification bulletins