April 2026 International Science Qualification News
Hello colleagues,
Welcome to your April update for teachers of International Science qualifications! This update has information on the scientific article for IAL biology, an invitation to take part in research for IAL biology and chemistry teachers, news of support for centres affected by the conflict in the Middle East, a UCAS consultation which may be of interest to those in the UK, and recordings of recent 'preparing for our exams' training!
As ever, don't hesitate to get in touch if I can help in any way - why not book a Teams call with me (follow the link below) if it would be helpful to talk something over?
Best wishes,
Tim Lawrence
Pearson Edexcel Subject Advisor for International Science Qualifications
In this update:
- Key dates
- General updates including support for centres affected by the conflict in the Middle East and UCAS consultation
- Invitation to participate in Pearson’s IAL Biology and Chemistry research
- IAL Biology scientific articles available
- Upcoming training (CPD) opportunities
- Examiner vacancies
- FAQs from teachers of international science courses
| 13 August | Results day for June 2026 IAL series |
| 20 August | Results day for June 2026 IG series |
We know the ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to affect students, families and centres in very real ways.
This page brings together the latest guidance and support available for students whose learning and assessments have been disrupted, with any new updates added here as the situation continues to evolve.
We know many of our centres and students use the UCAS application service, when applying to Higher Education in the UK. We wanted to let you know that UCAS are currently consulting on the operation of the UCAS undergraduate admissions cycle, including:
- the number of initial choices a student can make
- the firm and insurance choice
- application deadlines, including the early (October) deadline and January Equal Consideration Date.
This is an opportunity for you to have your say. You can find out further details about the consultation and respond on the UCAS website. The deadline to respond is 18:00 (UK time) on 22 April 2026.
Pearson is beginning work to refresh the Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level Science qualifications.
As a first step, we are reviewing the International Advanced Level Biology and Chemistry specifications to understand what works well for your learners and where future improvements could be made.
We invite you to share your feedback by completing a short online questionnaire, see links below.
Please complete the survey by Monday 20th April.
Your input will help shape the future of these qualifications for learners around the world. Thank you for your support.
A little later than usual, the scientific articles for IAL Biology Unit 5 (WBI15) have been published on the 'teaching and learning materials' page - see link below, and a link to our FAQ document on how teachers should use the article to help students prepare for this exam.
For this series there are two scientific articles, the standard WBI15_01 article and the WBI15_01A article which is for candidates taking the new regional paper. This is only available in a specific region – most countries covered by the regional International GCSE papers are not included in this. If your students sat IAL biology exams in October 2025 or January 2026, they would have sat the regional 'A' paper if you were in the relevant region and you should use the WBI15_01A article. If in doubt, please check with your Exams Officer who will receive official confirmation to covering which article you should use., or feel free to contact me on teachingscience@pearson.com FAO Tim Lawrence.
We have a number of face-to-face training events for international science qualifications coming up in Colombo and Dhaka in April and May.
If you missed the recent online preparing for exams training delivered by our International Science Subject Partner Jonathan Wong, you can now access the recordings of these events via the links below!
View all International Science courses available and book your places.
Becoming an Assessment Associate (or examiner) is a great professional development for teachers. The process gives teachers insight into what exam questions are looking for, and common errors, and greatly helps them to prepare their students for future papers.
Use the link below to search for vacancies. I recommend using the search terms 'examiner', 'international' and the subject e.g. 'biology'.
The questions below have been asked during training events recently, in our Facebook group or in emails to teachingscience@pearson.com:
International centres have a choice between linear (terminal exams taken together at the end of the course) and modular (flexibility to sit exams in different series) assessment routes to the same International GCSE qualification. Here's a summary of the advantages of each.
Advantages of a Linear assessment route
(All exams taken at the end of the course)
A familiar and straightforward model
Linear assessment mirrors the structure of UK GCSEs, which many schools and teachers already know well. This can make planning, staffing and communication simpler.
Strong focus on synoptic understanding
Students revisit and connect ideas across biology, chemistry and physics, helping them see science as a coherent whole rather than separate units.
Clear teaching journey
Teachers can plan a two‑year programme without interruption for exams, allowing more flexibility in sequencing content and teaching holistically.
Single exam entry point
Exam administration is concentrated into one exam series, which can reduce complexity for exam officers and simplify budgeting.
Terminal performance reflects overall mastery
Grades are based on performance at the end of the course, which can suit students who perform best once they have seen and practised all the content.
Advantages of a Modular assessment route
(Exams taken in units across the course)
Reduced pressure through assessment spread over time
Modular assessment breaks exams into smaller units, helping many students manage workload, stress and revision more effectively.
Greater flexibility for diverse learners
Students can take exams when they are ready, rather than all at once, which can be particularly supportive for international cohorts and learners with additional needs.
Targeted resit opportunities
Students can resit individual units instead of the whole qualification, allowing focused improvement and more efficient use of teaching time.
Actionable feedback during the course
Unit results provide meaningful performance data mid‑course, helping teachers adapt teaching and intervention strategies in real time.
Supports progression to modular post‑16 pathways
Modular International GCSEs prepare students well for International A Levels and higher education, where modular assessment is common.
Same standard, same certificate
Modular and linear routes share the same content, level of demand and final International GCSE certificate; the difference is purely in assessment structure.
Subject advisor
Irine Muhiuddin and Tim Lawrence
UK and International Science
