May 2025 Teaching Science update

The A level Science Headteacher form needs to be signed and sent in by the 15 May in the year of certification to declare that students have completed the practical activities that meet the practical Endorsement requirements of the specification. You can access the Headteacher declaration form online - see link below. A link to our CPAC FAQs document is also provided. 

• Online form to complete and submit the A level Science Headteacher declaration form

CPAC FAQs Revised March 2025 152.7 KB pdf /content/dam/pdf/A Level/biology-a/2015/teaching-and-learning-materials/cpac-faqs.pdf false 2025-04-01T07:42:02.348Z

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Endorsement Result

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

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 assessment record forms can be found on the links below along with 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 2019-04-23T15:17:06.675Z 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 2019-04-23T15:17:06.559Z 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 2019-04-23T15:17:06.426Z

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You can find BTEC term-time checkpoints and key dates for 2024/25 in our document below. The key dates have been scheduled to ensure BTEC results are delivered successfully to all learners expecting a result in Summer 2025.  

1.2 MB pdf /content/dam/pdf/btec-generic/btec-key-dates-guide-24-25.pdf false 2025-01-10T14:20:51.893Z

BTEC key dates and term-time checkpoints 2024/25

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18 June 2025 at 16:00-17:30 BST

This free online event is intended to support teachers who are delivering Pearson Edexcel's GCSE Combined Science Biology, Chemistry and Physics specifications. The session will cover the extended open response requirements of the course and how to best prepare your learners to answer relevant questions.

You will:

• will explore strategies to support students with extended response questions
• identify areas for improvement in extended response questions
• develop your understanding of how extended open response questions are marked
• understand the requirements of our open response questions with specific command words.

• Register your place

07 July 2025 at 16:00-17:30 BST

This free online network is intended to support teachers who are delivering Pearson Edexcel's GCSE Combined Science Biology, Chemistry and Physics specifications.

You will:

• explore practical teaching and learning strategies for effective practical work
• explore ways to overcome barriers to maximise learning from these activities
• delve into strategies to support SEND learners in science practicals
• have opportunities to share good practices with colleagues
• explore resources from Pearson Edexcel to support all learners in developing their practical skills.

• Register your place

This free online event is for teachers delivering the Pearson Edexcel A Level Science qualifications, including Chemistry, Physics, Biology A and Biology B. In this session, you will have the opportunity to network with other teachers and explore ideas and suggestions on how you, as a classroom teacher, can get the best from those who find the subject more of a challenge. You will:

• discuss the challenges facing lower-attaining students within the A Level Science qualifications
• explore strategies for improving lower-attaining students’ scientific skills and knowledge with other teachers of A Level Sciences.

• Register your place here

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

Applied Science | 12 May |  16:00 - 17:00 GMT

The event is 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. 

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

• Register via the training page
• Register on our 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.

• Register onto training

We have briefing sessions for centres in England. The sessions 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. We will also discuss 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.

• Medical Science/Applied Human Biology  13 May 2025 4-5 pm (event code 25UKASNB02).
• Applied Science 19 May 2025 4-5pm (event code 25UKASNB04).

The events are free to attend, and you can register your place and keep a look out for other events, from the links below.

• Training page
• Events page

We have expanded our 'Maths in Science' support resources with three new videos and a worksheet on fractions. These materials are available on the GCSE Science qualification page in the 'Maths Support' section. More videos and another worksheet will be released soon.

New teaching support materials have been released to support teachers with delivering the BTEC National AAQ Applied Science that is for first teaching from September 2025. They can be found on the science qualification page and links to them are also provided below.

Planning and Teaching Guide 2.0 MB pdf /content/dam/pdf/BTEC-Nationals/Applied-Science/2025/applied-science-planning-and-teaching-guide.pdf false 2025-03-19T09:29:13.500Z Unit Guides 418.2 KB zip /content/dam/pdf/BTEC-Nationals/Applied-Science/2025/delivery-guide-units.zip false 2025-03-19T09:36:14.215Z

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Published resources to support the new BTEC National AAQs will be available soon this month. You can request samples now.

• Explore the new resources series

A reminder that we have short videos to help teachers prepare GCSE Science students with exams covering areas such as exam structure, short answer questions, calculations, graphs, extended open response questions and command words. 

Pearson Edexcel (9-1) GCSE Science - Exam Boost sessions- #1 exam structure ( 9:40 ) Pearson Edexcel (9-1) GCSE Science - Exam Boost sessions # 2 - Tackling short answer questions ( 11:06 ) Pearson Edexcel (9-1) GCSE Science - Exam Boost sessions # 3 - Calculations ( 13:31 ) Pearson Edexcel (9-1) GCSE Science - Exam Boost sessions - #4 - Graphs ( 9.12 ) Pearson Edexcel (9-1) GCSE Science - Exam Boost sessions #5 - Extended open response questions ( 13:42 ) Pearson Edexcel (9-1) GCSE Science - Exam Boost sessions #6 - Command words ( 13:10 )

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Pearson Edexcel (9-1) GCSE Science - Exam Boost sessions- #1 exam structure ( 9:40 ) Pearson Edexcel (9-1) GCSE Science - Exam Boost sessions # 2 - Tackling short answer questions ( 11:06 ) Pearson Edexcel (9-1) GCSE Science - Exam Boost sessions # 3 - Calculations ( 13:31 ) Pearson Edexcel (9-1) GCSE Science - Exam Boost sessions - #4 - Graphs ( 9.12 ) Pearson Edexcel (9-1) GCSE Science - Exam Boost sessions #5 - Extended open response questions ( 13:42 ) Pearson Edexcel (9-1) GCSE Science - Exam Boost sessions #6 - Command words ( 13:10 )

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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 is available on the Science qualification page. This can be given to students so they 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 2024-12-02T09:24:55.689Z

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The Pearson Edexcel A Level Biology A 9BN0 (SNAB) Paper 3 Scientific Article for the Summer 2025 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 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 the examination paper. 

Scientific Article – Paper 3 (9BN0_03) – June 2025 23.5 MB pdf /content/dam/secure/silver/all-uk-and-international/a-level/biology-a/2015/teaching-and-learning-materials/p78659a-sa-gce-a-biology-a-salters-nuffield-9bn0-03-5th-proof.pdf false 2025-03-18T08:01:00.132Z

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JCQ provide a booklet on 'Instructions for Conducting Examinations' and a calculator FAQs document that provides clarity to candidates, exam officers and teachers on using calculators. Both can be found on the JCQ website - see links below.

• JCQ FAQs - Using calculators
• JCQ Instructions for conducting examinations

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 about BTEC reform news via our dedicated webpage.

• Level 3 reform news

Our BTEC level 3 funding guide provides details of funding arrangements for all level 3 BTECs:

BTEC L3 funding guide 1.8 MB pdf /content/dam/pdf/BTEC-Nationals/btec-level-3-funding-guide.pdf false 2024-12-13T09:49:21.744Z

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The defunding of some RQF BTEC Nationals qualifications from 1 August 2025 will affect centres using a top-up model with their learners; please read the information and guidance in the update below.

• Read update update on Level 3 qualification funding in England and topping up BTEC learners

We held briefing sessions in January that provide information and guidance too; links to the recordings are provided below. New briefing sessions are taking place this May as detailed in the training section of this update.

BTEC Post 16 Levels 2 and 3: Briefing Session for Applied Science ( 36.10 ) Briefing session on the post-16 reforms at Levels 3 and below ( 53.49 )

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BTEC Post 16 Levels 2 and 3: Briefing Session for Applied Science ( 36.10 ) Briefing session on the post-16 reforms at Levels 3 and below ( 53.49 )

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We’re pleased to announce that the T Level in Health and the T Level in Science join our growing T Level family, ready for first teach September 2026. Find out more in our April update.

• Sign-up to receive T level updates
• Read previous T level updates

You can find the latest new for international GCSE and International A Level science qualifications. Please go to the recent update below where you can find the latest news for International

• Read the latest Science news update for International GCSE and IAL qualifications