March 2025 Teaching Science update
Welcome to the March Teaching Science update for Pearson Edexcel Science qualifications. In this update you will find information on training events and other news items to support your teaching.
GCSE Science
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.
27 March 2025 at 16:00 - 18:00 GMT [Event Fee: Free] [Pearson Event Code: 1SC0-25O1/01]
As part of our maths support, we are hosting an online event where we will share innovative ideas on teaching the mathematical elements of science. Our science credible specialist, Glenn Patterson, will be joined by mathematicians Chris Seagal and Mel Muldowney from JustMaths.
They will share top tips on using our latest free maths in science resources to enhance your teaching and learning. This session is intended to support teachers who are delivering Pearson Edexcel GCSE science and mathematics qualifications as well as numeracy coordinators.
This event will provide delegates with strategies, practical resources, and collaborative opportunities to:
- teach challenging mathematical concepts in an engaging and accessible way within science lessons
- develop your students’ ability to apply their mathematical knowledge to scientific topics
- equip your students with the analytical skills they need to excel in both subjects
- collaborate and network with peers to share best practices and develop cross-curricular lesson ideas.
Please note, a recording of the event will be available to attendees only within three days of the event.
This event counts as 2 hours of CPD. You will receive an e-certificate by email, post attendance.To book, go to the linking link below and use the 'GCSE' filter.
We have added three new Maths in Science worksheets on 'Sampling', 'Means and Averages', and 'Equations and Formulae'. Additionally, two short support videos on 'Equations and Formulae' and 'Standard Form' are available, with more to come. Access these resources and keep an eye out for new ones on the GCSE Science qualification page in the 'Maths Support' section. You'll also find earlier released maths resources, including 'Mathematics in Science practice papers'.
Centres must confirm that students have completed the mandatory core practicals by submitting the GCSE Headteacher Declaration Form by 15 April. To streamline this process, an online form with a Headteacher declaration section will be provided. This will remove the need for centres to download, manually upload, and send the form to Pearson. A link to the online declaration form is provided below.
Please note, any failure by centres to provide the declaration will be treated as malpractice and/or maladministration. We have a document that addresses frequently asked questions related to the form and the conduct of practicals.
We are still looking for schools to pilot a KS4 science project course to be taken along side GCSE Science qualifications. 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.
GCSE Astronomy
For all candidates taking GCSE Astronomy (1AS0) in the May/June 2025 exam series centres must complete the Observation Statement to confirm that reasonable steps have been taken to ensure each candidate has completed at least one unaided and one aided observation. The deadline to submit this statement is 15 April 2025. A link to the Observation Statement has been provided below. Failure to submit the Observation Statement will be treated as malpractice and/or maladministration. From this year, only the Headteacher's signature is required; a teacher's signature is no longer needed.
A level Science
This March 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.
Maths/statistics for A Level Biology A and B training will take place on 3 April (4 - 5.30pm).
Event description
The 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]
Links from where you can register are provided below.
The Pearson Edexcel A Level Biology A 9BN0 (SNAB) Paper 3 Scientific Article for Summer 2025 will be available for download from the qualification page in mid-March. Students may study and annotate it but cannot bring their copy into the exam room; a fresh copy will be provided with the exam paper. If needed, additional copies can be downloaded from the qualification page.
We recently sent a communication to centres highlighting new research published by The Royal Society of Chemistry which suggests a need for reconsidering explanations based on inductive effects of alkyl groups (Mark C Elliott et al, Journal of Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry, Issue 2, 2025). In case you missed this communication, a link is provided below. This details the A level and AS Chemistry specification points the research findings are relevant to, and what this means for you and your learners.
If you are interested in finding out more, a blog by Mark Elliott on 'What Does the Change in Direction of Alkyl Group Inductive Effects Mean?' is available on the link below.
International Science qualification news
Please go to the recent update below where you can find the latest news for International GCSE and International A Level science qualifications.
24 March 2025 at 07:00 - 09:30 GMT
New to delivering the BTEC International Level 2 in Applied Science? This online session is suitable for Program Managers, Internal Verifiers, Assessors, Tutors, Heads of Department, Quality Nominees, Centre Managers, working in centres offering the BTEC International Level 2 qualification who are either new to delivering this qualification or those who would like to refresh their knowledge.
Live sessions provide you with an opportunity to interact with the presenter and take you through:
•Explore the content and structure of the qualification
•Understand grading at assignment, unit, and qualification levels and how to write and deliver engaging assessments
•Discuss how to plan a successful BTEC programme
•Understand how to quality assure the qualification
•Provide the opportunity for a Q&A with a Pearson Subject Matter Expert
Upon completion of this session and active participation, this session can count as 2.5 hours of continual professional development.
Event Fee (GBP) Free | Pearson Event Code25IOBL2AS1/01
26 March 2025 at 07:00 - 09:30 GMT
New to delivering the BTEC International Level 3 in Applied Science? This online session is suitable for Program Managers, Internal Verifiers, Assessors, Tutors, Heads of Department, Quality Nominees, Centre Managers, working in centres offering the BTEC International Level 2 qualification who are either new to delivering this qualification or those who would like to refresh their knowledge.
Live sessions provide you with an opportunity to interact with the presenter and take you through:
•Explore the content and structure of the qualification
•Understand grading at assignment, unit, and qualification levels and how to write and deliver engaging assessments
•Discuss how to plan a successful BTEC programme
•Understand how to quality assure the qualification
•Provide the opportunity for a Q&A with a Pearson Subject Matter Expert
Upon completion of this session and active participation, this session can count as 2.5 hours of continual professional development.
Event Fee (GBP)Free | Pearson Event Code25IOBL3AS1/01
27 March 2025 at 07:00 - 13:00 GMT
Wanting to understand the holistic methodology around assessment planning and assignment writing for BTEC International Qualifications? This session is designed for Programme Managers, course leaders, Internal verifiers, Quality Nominees and the Delivery and assessment staff.
This session will look to understand the Holistic Assignment writing and Assessment process for delivering the BTEC International Level 3 in Applied Science.
During this session you will:
•Explore and understand the Pearson Authorised Assignment Briefs (AABs) and Pearson Set Assignments (PSAs)
•Discuss Assessment process, methods and the varied forms of evidence
•Understand how to provide effective feedback to the learners
•Examine command verbs in the context of your vocational area, the qualification units and the assessment criteria
•Discuss ways to develop links with employers and external stakeholders.
•Understand how to use the platform Pearson Progress and how ties into the assignment process.
Active participation in this session counts towards 5 hours of continual professional development.
Event Fee (GBP)£25 excl. Tax | Pearson Event Code25IOBL3AS2/01
BTEC National AAQs from September 2025
Pearson Level 3 qualifications AAQ qualifications in Applied Science and Medical Science are approved for funding for first teach September 2025. You can view the new BTEC National Applied Science and Medical Science AAQ specifications from the links below.
Published resources to support the new the AAQs are being developed, and you can request samples now.
18 March 2025 at 16:00 - 17:00 GMT
This session is for centres in England only. It will focus on the BTEC Nationals (2025) and familiarising centres with both existing resources and highlight additional support which is being made available between now and the summer.
It will also cover funding and any changes to registrations for this academic year.
There will also be the opportunity for you to ask questions and hear from other centres.
[Event Fee (GBP)Free] [Pearson Event Code 25UKASNB02]
To help you prepare to deliver our new AAQ BTEC Nationals (2025) in Applied Science and Medical science qualifications, we will be hosting Getting Started events. These will take place on the following dates and times:
Applied Science | 12 May | 16:00 - 17:00 GMT
Medical science | 10 March | 16:00 - 17:00 GMT
The events are aimed at UK based teachers and 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.
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.
Medical Science | 12 May 2025 at 16:30 - 18:00 GMT
Applied Science | 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.
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
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.
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.
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
Other general news
The ERA Licence provides seamless access to television and radio recordings, offering a single point of clearance for the rights needed to create and use authentic media resources in your classroom. With ERA’s free video streaming platform, licensed institutions can explore a rich library of curriculum-mapped TV and radio clips tailored to GCSE, AS, and A-level teaching. To access this free resource registration is required - but is quick and simple. State schools in England are licensed under a central agreement with the DfE and the vast majority of independent schools also hold a current ERA Licence. The ERA LicenceThe ERA Licence enables educational establishments to legally make recordings or copies of TV and radio programmes for educational use.
The Provisional timetables for Summer 2026 are available on our Provisional timetables web page. Feedback on the timetable will run until Friday 21st March. Please send any feedback to timetables@pearson.com.
On our Professional Development Academy training page you can watch pre-recorded events, such as 'New to Edexcel', and look out for upcoming training events. A link to the page is provided below.
We also provide centre-based training options - if this is something you would like to explore, please visit our training page below.
We're looking for knowledgeable and passionate individuals to become Pearson examiners for the 2025 exam series across a wide range of subjects. Becoming an examiner is a great way to deepen your subject expertise, spread your assessment knowledge within your department and acquire valuable insights into the assessment process, empowering you to better prepare your learners for their exams. You can enjoy the convenience of working remotely, fitting it around your other commitments, and augmenting your income. It can also help you build your professional networks and benefit from opportunities for progression and continuous professional development.
Keep up-to-date with the latest news
You can sign-up to receive email alerts for my updates via our web form - see link provided below.
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.
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.
You can follow Pearson on socials to keep up to date with the latest news about our qualifications and services. Soon we will also be launching a new Facebook group for teachers of Pearson Edexcel Science qualifications. There will be a group for both UK and International Science qualifications.
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.
Subject advisor
Irine Muhiuddin
Science
