February 2023 Teaching Science update

This update provides information on the following:

• GCSE Science Online Network: Effective 'teacher talk' that supports learning in the GCSE Science classroom
• International Science qualification training
• GCSE Science: Submission of the Head Teacher declaration form
  
• GCSE Astronomy Observation Statement 
• A level Science: Submission of the Head Teacher declaration form
• Equation sheets for GCSE Physics, Combined Science and International GCSE Sciences for 2023 assessments
• Final May/June 2023 timetables
• View from the Lab podcast
• BTEC Level 3 reform briefing sessions
• Become an Examiner with Pearson
  

GCSE Science Online Network: Effective 'teacher talk' that supports learning in the GCSE Science classroom

22 March 4-5.30pm

We will be hosting a Network event for GCSE science teachers who are keen to improve their practice.

Pritesh Raichura/@Mr_Raichura will run through the use of effective teacher talk as one of the key pillars of effective pedagogy.

Pritesh will focus on:

• the principles of planning good questions for science lessons
• examples of how this might ‘look’ in the classroom
• how to plan effective teacher-led lessons, including examples of strategies such as ‘break it down’ 'fire questions' and ‘exaggerate so they notice’
• strategies to improve their ‘Quality Teacher Talk’.

Places at this event are capped so please book early to secure your place.

International Science qualification training

We still have several training opportunities available this Spring term for International GCSEs and IALs in Science - please take a look at the news update below where you can obtain more information.

GCSE Science: Submission of the Head Teacher declaration form

The GCSE Science practical Head Teacher form is required by the 15 April. Please see the update below to obtain the form and link to submit it.

GCSE Astronomy Observation Statement

The GCSE Observation Statement is required by the 15 April. Please see the update below to obtain the form and link to submit it.

A level Science submitting the Head Teacher declaration form

The A level Science practical Head Teacher form is required by the 15 May. Link to the form along with CPAC FAQs are provided below.

A ‘Pass’ (P) or ‘Not Classified’ (NC) decision for each student should also be submitted on Edexcel Online by 15 May.

Equation sheets for GCSE Physics, Combined Science and International GCSE Sciences for 2023 assessments

As mentioned in previous updates students will have access to a revised equation sheet for GCSE Physics and GCSE Combined Science (the physics components) for the summer 2023 exam series. The same approach is being provided for International GCSE Physics exams. Please see the updates below where you will be directed to the equation sheets.

Final May/June 2023 timetables

Summer 2023 timetables are finalised and available to view on our website.

The timetables seek to maintain some of the space between the first and last exams in the same subject. This spacing was well received by schools and colleges in 2022 and reduces the chance of students missing all exams in a subject due to circumstances such as illness.

View from the Lab podcast

Our latest 'View from the Lab podcast’ is now available titled 'Exploring the future of science education. The FEDORA project - with Professor Sibel Erduran'

In this episode Andy Woods talks to Professor Sibel Erduran from the University of Oxford's education department. Over the past couple of years Sibel has been involved in an EU research project known as the ‘FEDORA project’.

The project is looking at answering some very big questions in science education namely: What knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values will today’s students need to thrive in and shape their world?

In addition, we discuss how we can develop students into informed ‘citizens of science’ grappling with concepts in a world of fast paced change.

BTEC Level 3 reform briefing sessions 

We ran some BTEC Level 3 briefings sessions in February to update centres with the latest news and developments we have on the L3 reforms. More opportunities to attend briefings will be made available over the coming weeks but you can view our current offering in the update below.

Become an Examiner with Pearson

Every year, we work with over 20,000 Assessment Associates to mark, moderate, write and check all the qualifications that we offer across general and vocational qualifications. Being an Assessment Associate with us brings a level of insight into how qualifications work.  In our latest survey, over 80% of you said it was the best CPD you get, and over 90% of new Associates said it was quick and easy to apply and the training and support you received was good or better.

Starting out as a general Associate with us can be the start of a great career in examining, with opportunities to move up to Team Leader and other senior examining roles.

Some of the benefits include:

• paid to attend training events and meetings
• discounts on Pearson resources
• career progression
• access to a wide variety of free CPD
• flexible working

You can take a look at the list of vacancies we have available at present on the page below.