November 2024 Teaching Science update

Recordings of Summer 2024 Exam Insight events feedback are available to watch from Pearson Educators YouTube channel.

GCSE Combined Science Chemistry: Exam Insights May/June 2024 ( 1:03:10 ) GCSE Combined Science Biology: Exam Insights May/June 2024 ( 1:15:51 ) Pearson Edexcel GCSE Combined Science Physics Insights 2024 ( 13:32 )

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GCSE Combined Science Chemistry: Exam Insights May/June 2024 ( 1:03:10 ) GCSE Combined Science Biology: Exam Insights May/June 2024 ( 1:15:51 ) Pearson Edexcel GCSE Combined Science Physics Insights 2024 ( 13:32 )

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You can also access other pre-recorded training from our Pearson Development Academy page.

• Go to the Professional Development Academy page

Worksheets

Maths in Science skills worksheets on 'tables, charts and graphs' and 'decimal places' will be available in November to aid student learning. A worksheet on standard form is already available - see link below.

All worksheets will be available to download from the GCSE Science qualification page under 'Teaching and learning materials' in the 'Maths and practical support' section.  They will also be available to download from the Science Emporium.

Maths in Science papers

Earlier in the year we also released 'Mathematics in Science' practice papers for you to use with your students, giving them practice by answering maths questions in a science context.

Questions in these papers have been selected from Combined Science 2023 past exam papers and have accompanying mark schemes.

We have produced a higher and foundation tier set - both available for download from the qualification page under 'Teaching and learning materials' in the 'Maths and practical support' section. Direct links to these are provided below. They are also available on the Science Emporium along with other qualification documents. 

Mathematics in Science - Skills Worksheets - Standard Form 291.3 KB pdf /content/dam/secure/silver/all-uk-and-international/gcse/science/2016/teaching-and-learning-materials/maths-in-science-skills-sheets-standard-form.pdf false GCSE Mathematics in Science 2023 F QP 1022.0 KB pdf /content/dam/secure/silver/all-uk-and-international/gcse/science/2016/teaching-and-learning-materials/mqis-f-qp-lb.pdf false GCSE Mathematics in Science 2023 F MS 364.0 KB pdf /content/dam/secure/silver/all-uk-and-international/gcse/science/2016/teaching-and-learning-materials/mqis-f-ms-lb.pdf false GCSE Mathematics in Science 2023 H QP 865.2 KB pdf /content/dam/secure/silver/all-uk-and-international/gcse/science/2016/teaching-and-learning-materials/mqis-h-qp-lb.pdf false GCSE Mathematics in Science 2023 H MS 384.7 KB pdf /content/dam/secure/silver/all-uk-and-international/gcse/science/2016/teaching-and-learning-materials/mqis-h-ms-lb.pdf false

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• Visit the Science Emporium where you can also download the new maths support and other qualification documents

In October Ofqual launched a consultation on extending the use of equation sheets for GCSE Physics, Combined Science, and Mathematics exams for the 2025, 2026, and 2027 exam series. This consultation has now closed, and the results are being analysed. The outcome of the consultation will be published on the Ofqual website. You can also sign up to receive alerts on Ofqual consultations.

• Go to the Ofqual website
• Sign-up to receive alerts on Ofqual consultations

With winter mock season approaching you may want to refer to our GCSE Science Exam Boost videos that contain useful tips covering areas such as exam structure, short answer questions, calculations, graphs, extended open response questions and command words. Links to the six videos we have available are provided below.

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 ( 13:32 ) Pearson Edexcel (9-1) GCSE Science - Exam Boost sessions - #4 - Graphs ( 13:42 ) 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 ( 13:11 )

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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 ( 13:32 ) Pearson Edexcel (9-1) GCSE Science - Exam Boost sessions - #4 - Graphs ( 13:42 ) 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 ( 13:11 )

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Recordings of all Summer 2024 Exam Insight events feedback will be available soon on the Pearson UK educators YouTube channel.

• Go to the Pearson educators channel

The recording for A level Biology Exam Insight events are already available for you to watch - see links below.

A Level Biology A: Exam Insights May/June 2024 ( 53.12 ) A Level Biology B: Exam Insights May/June 2024 ( 58.34 )

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A Level Biology A: Exam Insights May/June 2024 ( 53.12 ) A Level Biology B: Exam Insights May/June 2024 ( 58.34 )

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A reminder that we have A level Science Maths guides on the qualification pages that you can use to support your students.  Handy links to these are provided below.

Resources for developing mathematical skills: Biology Maths Teacher Guide Updated October 2019 1.6 MB pdf /content/dam/secure/silver/all-uk-and-international/a-level/biology/2015/teaching-and-learning-materials/biology-maths-teacher-guide.pdf false Resources for developing mathematical skills: Biology Maths Student Guide Updated October 2019 1.6 MB pdf /content/dam/pdf/A Level/biology-a/2015/teaching-and-learning-materials/Biology_Maths_Student_Guide_-_FINAL.pdf false Resources for developing mathematical skills: Chemistry Maths Teacher Guide 1.1 MB pdf /content/dam/secure/silver/all-uk-and-international/a-level/chemistry/2015/teaching-and-learning-materials/Chemistry-Maths-Teacher-Guide.pdf false Resources for developing mathematical skills: Chemistry Maths Student Guide 846.7 KB pdf /content/dam/pdf/A Level/Chemistry/2015/teaching-and-learning-materials/Chemistry-Maths-Student-Guide.pdf false Resources for developing mathematical skills - Maths Teacher Guide 692.9 KB pdf /content/dam/secure/silver/all-uk-and-international/a-level/physics/2015/teaching-and-learning-materials/AS_and_A_level_Physics_Maths_teacher_Guide.pdf false Resources for developing mathematical skills - Maths Student Guide 686.5 KB pdf /content/dam/pdf/A Level/Physics/2015/teaching-and-learning-materials/AS_and_A_level_Physics_Maths_Student_Guide.pdf false

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On our Professional Development Academy training page you can watch pre-recorded events and look out for upcoming training sessions. A link to the page is provided below.

• Go to the Professional Development Academy page

We also provide centre-based training options - if this is something you would like to explore, please visit our training page.

• Go to the training page to explore centre-based training options

A reminder that you can find answers to frequently asked questions for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE and International A Level science courses in a recent update. It includes FAQs on the following:

• Curriculum (teaching) time 
• Double Award and Single Award Science International GCSEs 
• Textbooks and other paid-for resources 
• Assessment of practical skills in International GCSE and International A Level courses 
• Assessment support and equipment lists for practical activities 
• Modular and Linear options for International GCSEs  
• UMS marks and grade boundaries for modular International GCSEs and International A Level qualifications 
• iPrimary, iLowerSecondary qualifications
• Training available 
• examWizard to construct mock exams and tests
• Equations / formulae for International GCSE physics 

• Read update with International Science Frequently Asked Questions

You can find upcoming training opportunities this term via our Professional Development Academy page. Details of some of the events are highlighted below.

Understanding Assessment and Improving Outcomes in Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level Physics (Module 1): 04 November 2024 at 13:00 - 15:00 GMT.

Enhancing Teaching through Exam Insights in Pearson Edexcel International A Level Physics: 07 November 2024 at 09:00 - 15:00 AT

Enhancing Teaching through Exam Insights in Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Physics: 09 November 2024 at 09:00 - 15:00 EGT Malvern College Egypt, B2-B3 South Ring Road, Investment Zone Kattameya, Cairo, Egypt Cairo, 75M, El Mokattam, Cairo Governorate 11771

Understanding Assessment and Improving Outcomes in Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level Biology (Module 2): 11 November 2024 at 13:00 - 15:00 GMT

Understanding Assessment and Improving Outcomes in Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level Physics (Module 2): 13 November 2024 at 13:00 - 15:00 GMT

Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Physics Exam Insights May/June 2024: 19 November 2024 at 09:00 - 10:00 GMT

Pearson Edexcel International A Level Physics Exam Insights May/June 2024: 21 November 2024 at 09:00 - 10:00 GMT

• Go to the Professional Development Academy page to book and view training events

In October Ofqual launched a consultation on extending the use of equation sheets for GCSE Physics, Combined Science, and Mathematics exams for the 2025, 2026, and 2027 exam series. This consultation has now closed, and the results are being analysed. The outcome of the consultation will be published on the Ofqual website.

For our International GCSE Physics, Science Double and Science Single Awards (physics papers) we will follow the same approach as for UK GCSE Physics and Combined Science qualifications and will send out further communications once we have the outcome from the Ofqual consultation.

• Go to the Ofqual website
• Sign-up to receive alerts on Ofqual consultations

This November we are hosting Getting Started events for AAQ qualifications in Applied Science and Medical Science. Times and dates are provided for you below along with a description of what the sessions will cover.

Getting Started: Ways to Plan and Teach BTEC National (AAQ) in Applied Science (2025): 13 November 2024 at 16:00 - 17:30 GMT

Getting Started: Ways to Plan and Teach BTEC National (AAQ) in Medical Science (2025): 14 November 2024 at 16:00 - 17:30 GMT

These free sessions are aimed at UK based teachers preparing to deliver the BTEC National (2025) in Applied Science and Medical Science. 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.

• Go to the training page to book your place (select BTEC Nationals as the qualification when using the filters)

BTEC Level 3 Nationals in Applied Science Additional Guidance documents for Unit 1 (Principles and Applications of Science I) and (Unit 5 Principles and Applications of Science II) help teachers understand the depth to teach the content for the Unit 1 and 5 exams.

Following feedback from centres, we have moved the Additional Guidance documents to the 'Course Materials' section of the website, under 'Specification and sample assessments'.

For your convenience, links to the Additional Guidance documents have also been provided below.

Unit 1: Additional Guidance - Section B: Biology This is to help teachers understand the depth to which they need to teach the content for the exams for unit 1. 45.7 KB docx /content/dam/pdf/BTEC-Nationals/Applied-Science/2016/external-assessment/unit1-additionalguidance-sectionb-biology-final4-applsci.docx false Unit 1: Additional Guidance - Section C: Physics This is to help teachers understand the depth to which they need to teach the content for the exams for unit 1. 64.4 KB docx /content/dam/pdf/BTEC-Nationals/Applied-Science/2016/external-assessment/unit1-additionalguidance-sectionc-physics-final2-applsci-v2.docx false Unit 1: Additional Guidance - Section A: Chemistry This is to help teachers understand the depth to which they need to teach the content for the exams for unit 1. 50.7 KB docx /content/dam/pdf/BTEC-Nationals/Applied-Science/2016/external-assessment/unit1-additionalguidance-sectiona-chemistry-final3-applsci.docx false Unit 5: Additional Guidance - Section B: Biology This is to help teachers understand the depth to which they need to teach the content for the exams for unit 5. 55.0 KB docx /content/dam/pdf/BTEC-Nationals/Applied-Science/2016/external-assessment/unit5-additionalguidance-sectionb-biology-final-v5-14-02-19.docx false Unit 5: Additional Guidance - Section A: Chemistry This is to help teachers understand the depth to which they need to teach the content for the exams for unit 5. 46.8 KB docx /content/dam/pdf/BTEC-Nationals/Applied-Science/2016/external-assessment/unit5-additionalguidance-sectiona-chemistry-final2-applsci.docx false Unit 5: Additional Guidance - Section C: Physics This is to help teachers understand the depth to which they need to teach the content for the exams for unit 5. 50.0 KB docx /content/dam/pdf/BTEC-Nationals/Applied-Science/2016/external-assessment/unit5-additionalguidance-sectionc-physics-final3-applsci.docx false

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In case you missed it, in the September update for BTEC Science you can find information on the BTEC reform news including links to new AAQ specifications, study programmes, funding and FAQs regarding the reforms. You can also find information on Quality assurance support and timetables.

• Read the September BTEC Teaching Science update

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 also read previous bulletins on our website.

Sign-up to receive regular vocational qualification bulletins 

Read previous vocational qualification bulletins on our website

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.

It will be updated regularly with the latest announcements, news, and support materials to enable you to teach our qualifications and help your students with assessments and post-results support.

• Go to the assessment support page

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

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

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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

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