February 2025 Teaching Science update

11 March 2025 at 16:00 - 17:30 GMT

To support teachers who are delivering Pearson Edexcel GCSE Chemistry and GCSE Combined Science qualifications, we will be hosting a free online event that will be delivered by our chemistry specialist.

They will be covering strategies to support the teaching of some chemistry concepts and look at:

• five key topics of chemistry that are often hard to teach/understand
• ways to approach each topic if you are teaching it for the first time, or if you are a non-specialist teacher
• examples of practical approaches that enhance the material
• strategies to prepare students for questions on each topic to build confidence
• tips and tricks to help students with these tricky concepts.

Please note: a recording of the event will be available to attendees only within three days of the event. This event will count as 1.5 hours of CPD. You will receive an e-certificate by email, post attendance.

[Event Fee (GBP) Free] [Pearson Event Code 1CH0-25O1/01]

To book, go to the linking link below and use the 'GCSE' filter to bring up the event.

• Training page link

To help schools make decisons on which tier to enter their students for GCSE Sciences we provide a  'Support for Tier Entry decisions' guide that is available on the link below. 

Pearson Edexcel GCSE 9-1 Sciences support for tier entry decisions 3.6 MB pdf /content/dam/pdf/GCSE/Science/2016/teaching-and-learning-materials/Pearson-Edexcel-GCSE-9-1-Sciences-support-for-tier-entry-decisions.pdf false 2020-08-09T22:27:23.338Z

Pearson Edexcel GCSE 9-1 Sciences support for tier entry decisions (PDF | 3.6 MB)

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We've been carrying out extensive research and working with hundreds of teachers, learners, parents & experts across the country to develop a clear view of the challenges facing GCSE science education & what is needed to address these. As a result of this, and alongside our Curriculum and Assessment review thinking, we’re calling for change. 

Find out more on what we are calling for and let us know what changes you would like to see by visiting the pages below.

• Find out more
• Share your thoughts

We will be releasing soon three more Maths in Science worksheets on 'Sampling', 'Means and Averages' and 'Equations and Formulae' that will be available to download from the qualification page under the 'Maths and Practical Support' section. Please keep a look out for these on the link below. 

We are looking for schools to pilot a science project course! If your school is interested in participating and helping us shape the future of science education, we would love to hear from you. If you are interested, or would like more information, please get in touch with us by emailing teachingscience@pearson.com.  We look forward to collaborating with you!

Students sitting Pearson GCSE Physics and Combined Science (Physics) exams in 2025, 2026, and 2027 will continue to be supported with an equation sheet insert as they were in 2024. Clean copies of the equation sheet will be included with the exam papers for 2025, 2026, and 2027. The equation sheet for the 2025 exams is available on the Science qualification page so  students can become familiar with it ahead of their exams. A link to it is also provided below.

GCSE Physics Combined Science - Equations list 137.0 KB pdf /content/dam/pdf/GCSE/Science/2016/teaching-and-learning-materials/gcse-physics-exam-aid-1ph0-1sc0-june-2025.pdf false 2024-12-02T09:24:55.685Z

GCSE Physics Combined Science - Equations list (PDF | 137.0 KB)

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If you would like to read the full consultation outcome, please visit the Ofqual website - see link provided below.

• Go to the Ofqual website to read the consultation outcome

13 February 2025 at 16:00 - 17:30 GMT

At this event will be covering the mathematical requirements of the course and how best to prepare your learners in answering relevant questions. 

You will:

• improve your knowledge of key mathematical concepts in the specification content
• discuss teaching approaches to help students develop their mathematical skills
• look at specimen questions and mark schemes in order to interpret questions more accurately
• address common issues and frequently asked questions.  

Please note: A recording of the event will be available to attendees within three days of the event. This event counts as 1.5 hours of CPD and will receive an e-certificate by email, post attendance.

[Event Fee (GBP) Free]  [Pearson Event Code: 9BI0-25O2/01]

To book, please go to the training link below and use the 'A level' filter to bring up the event.

• Training page link

This spring we will be hosting free online training events to support teachers with preparing learners to answer questions targeting the AO3 assessment objective.

These will take place on the following dates: 

• A Level Biology A and B: 20 March 2025 at 16:00-17:00 GMT
• A Level Chemistry 26 March 2025 at 16:00 - 17:00 GMT
• A Level Physics 27 March 2025 at 16:00 - 17:00 GMT

At these events you will:
• discuss strategies used in the classroom to help students develop this skill that many struggle with
• observe the live-marking of responses, focusing on how the analysis and evaluation skills are awarded
• be provided with suggestions as to how to improve student responses that lack context.

This event counts as 1 hour of CPD and you will receive an e-certificate by email, post attendance.

To book, please go to the training link below and use the 'A level' filter to bring up the event.

• Training page link

Exemplar packs for A level sciences are now all available to download from the qualification pages in the 'Teaching and Learning Materials' section. The packs contain booklets that look at questions from the June 2024 exam paper with real student responses and how the examining team follow the mark schemes to award marks. Direct links to the exemplar packs are also provided below.

Pearson will continue to provide students with an equation sheet for International GCSE Physics and Science Double Award (for both linear and modular exams), and linear Single Award (Physics) in 2025, 2026 and 2027.  This will be uploaded soon on the qualification pages. Please read the update below to find out more.

• Read update on equation sheet support

You can find pre-recorded training and look out for new training opportunities via our Professional Development Academy page.

Upcoming training for the Spring term includes the following:

• Getting Ready to Teach International GCSE Biology Modular 10 February 2025 at 09:00-11:00 GMT
• Getting Ready to Teach International GCSE Physics Modular 11 February 2025 at 09:00-11:00 GMT
• Understanding Assessment & Improving Delivery in International GCSE Physics Modular 18 February 2025 at 09:00-11:00 GMT
• Mastering Marking in International GCSE Chemistry (Module 1) 24 February 2025 at 09:00-11:00 GMT
• Understanding Assessment & Improving Delivery in International GCSE Biology Modular 24 February 2025 at 09:00-11:00 GMT
• Mastering Marking in International A Level Chemistry (Module 1) 26 February 2025 at 09:00-11:00 GMT
• Mastering Marking in International GCSE Chemistry (Module 2) 25 February 2025 at 09:00-11:00 GMT
• Mastering Marking in International A Level Chemistry (Module 1) 26 February 2025 at 09:00-11:00 GMT
• Mastering Marking in International A Level Chemistry (Module 2) 27 February 2025 at 09:00-11:00 GMT

• Go to the Professional Development Academy page

You can find answers to frequently asked questions for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE and International A Level science courses in an earlier update written by Subject Advisor by Subject Advisor Tim Lawrence - supporting you International Science and Psychology qualifications.

• Read update with International Science Frequently Asked Questions

The Provisional timetables for Summer 2026 will be available on our Provisional timetables web page from Monday 3rd February.

The feedback window will run until Friday 21st March. Please send any feedback to timetables@pearson.com.

• View timetables

On our general qualifications assessment support page, 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.

• Go to the assessment support page

To help you prepare to deliver our new AAQ BTEC National (2025) in Applied Science qualification, we will be hosting Getting Started events. These will take place on the following dates and times:

4 February | 3 March | 2 April | 12 May |  16:00 - 17:00 GMT

The events are aimed at UK based teachersand the live sessions will meet the following objectives:

• Centres can confidently plan the delivery of the new qualifications at Level 3, based on their and their learners' needs.
• Centres have a clear view on the underpinning knowledge required to deliver the units.
• Centres identify how to use internal assessment support materials to inform teaching and learning and understand the standard. 
• Centres know where to find support, via the website or specific roles within Pearson. 

The training provides a general run through of internal and external assessment. These areas are covered in greater detail in our BTEC National (2025) ‘Getting Ready to Assess Internal Units’ and ‘Preparing Your Learners for External Assessment’ events. These live events will follow in early 2025.

This event can count as 1.5 Hours of CPD. You will receive a certificate of attendance the next working day after the live event. Please be aware that this event will be recorded and may be shared publicly.

You can register for the events from the training page or the events page.

• Register via the training page
• Register on our events page

We will also have the equivalent training available for the new AAQ Medical Science qualification. Please keep an eye on the links above for dates and times.

09 June 2025 at 15:30 - 17:00 GMT

This event is suitable for CENTRES IN ENGLAND ONLY. It will cover a minimum of one mandatory unit plus other units where applicable.

Delegates will:

• Explore the assessment criteria and requirements for internal assessment.
• Look at some examples of assessment materials. 
• Address common issues and frequently asked questions. 

Pearson has reviewed the format and content of all its training events to ensure the security of its examinations. This event can count as 1.5 hours of CPD. Please be aware that this event will be recorded and may be shared publicly.

• Register onto training

We will also have the equivalent training available for the new AAQ Medical Science qualification. Please keep an eye on the link above for dates and times.

In December the DfE published the outcome of their review of post-16 qualification reform. The aim of the review was to determine which qualifications will be funded for 16-19 learners in England for the 2025/26 academic year.  You can read the Pearson response to this outcome on our website and keep up-to-date with all BTEC reform news and funding updates via our reform pages below.

• Level 3 reform news
• Level 2 reform news

We have amended the last registration dates of our BTEC National Dental Technology qualifications in line with the new Safe Practitioner Framework, which would affect new registrations in the academic year 2025/26.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Dental Technology (QCF) (2014) | 601/3492/6

Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Dental Technology (QCF) (2014) | 601/3493/8

The last registration date for these qualifications is now 31 July 2025, with a final certification date of 31 July 2028. Funding for new students on these qualifications will also end on 31 July 2025.

If you have registered learners on the Diploma with the intention to top them up to the Extended Diploma for their second year, this will not be possible after the last registration date. You will need to transfer learner registrations to the Extended Diploma before 31 July 2025, and I would advise you do this as soon as possible.

Find out more about transferring registrations

Read our email alert with this information

We have a Teaching, Learning and Assessment 2024/25 web page which will contain the most up-to-date information and key dates on vocational assessment for this academic year. 

• Visit our Teaching, Learning and Assessment 2024/25 webpage

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

Sign-up to receive regular vocational qualification bulletins 

Read previous vocational qualification bulletins on our website

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

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

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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

You can follow Pearson on socials to keep up to date with the latest news about our qualifications and services.

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Our new enhanced Qualifications Support Portal has been designed to make getting help quicker and easier than ever.

A new contact-us journey enables you to connect quickly with our support teams in the way that suits you; via live-chat for real-time assistance, or webform, as well as traditional phone or email routes. You can use your Pearson Portal (Edexcel Online) credentials to access secure personalised support even faster and view your existing cases.

Our comprehensive support article library has also been restructured with sections specific to teachers, as well as stronger search functions, to resolve your own queries quickly and easily.

• Take a look at the new Customer Support Portal
• Read the Customer Support Portal: Getting Started article