GCE Science (2008) update
Dear GCE colleagues, this update is to inform you of important dates and deadlines relating to the current GCE 2008 Biology, Chemistry and Physics specifications.
Final sitting
The final sitting of all six units for the GCE Science 2008 qualifications is summer 2016. However, the Ofqual consultation will determine the exact arrangements for a potential resit opportunity for A2 units, i.e. units 4, 5 and 6 in summer 2017.
Entry deadlines
UK centres
For all UK centres delivering the above specifications, the entry deadline is 21 February 2016.
Overseas International centres
For all Overseas International centres delivering the above specifications, the entry deadline is 21 March 2016.
If you miss these deadlines you can still make entries, but late entry fees will apply from 22 March 2016.
GCE Biology
Unit 5 pre-release Scientific Article
The Unit 5 pre-release Scientific Article will be available on the Biology website to download from 21 March 2016 to distribute to your candidates in preparation for sitting Paper 5 in summer 2016. A reminder will be sent in early March. In the meantime to get a flavour of the different types of article and the style of questions asked, please visit Scientific Articles and past papers for Unit 5.
Unit 3 Case Study/Issue Report (Coursework)
The Unit 3 Case Study/Issue Report (Coursework) submission deadline is 15 May 2016.
Candidates can re-sit Unit 3 this summer 2016 if they wish. They do not have to go on another Issue Visit or submit a different Case Study, their existing Unit 3 coursework can be amended and then resubmitted.
The Unit 3 coursework can either be:
- Teacher-Assessed and moderated by Edexcel (entry code A), or
- externally marked by an Edexcel Examiner (entry code B).
Unit 6 Investigation (Coursework)
The Unit 6 Investigation (Coursework) deadline submission is also 15 May 2016. Candidates can re-sit Unit 6 in summer 2016.
The Unit 6 coursework can either be:
- Teacher-Assessed and moderated by Edexcel (entry code A), or
- externally marked by an Edexcel Examiner (entry code B).
GCE Chemistry
The mark schemes for Unit 6CH03 and Unit 6CH06 are available from the teaching and learning materials page. These are password protected and can only be downloaded by Exams Officers. Once the live assessment materials are downloaded they must be stored securely. These tasks are only valid for submission in May 2016.
If you have any questions about the mark schemes, please send them to our Assessment Team at gce.sciences@pearson.com.
Candidates can re-sit Units 3 and 6 this summer 2016. Please remember that since September 2014, candidates who wish to resit Unit 6CH03 or Unit 6CH06 must resubmit a complete new set of 'b', 'c' and 'd' tasks, valid for the series in which the candidate has been entered due to the one year shelf life.
GCE Physics
If you require Unit 3 and Unit 6 briefs for your students or simply wish to gain ideas for writing your own centre-devised briefs, then you can download the relevant material from the teaching and learning materials page.
Unit 3 (Coursework)
The Unit 3 (Coursework) submission deadline is 15 May 2016. Candidates can re-sit Unit 3 this summer 2016.
The Unit 3 coursework can either be:
- Teacher-Assessed and moderated by Edexcel (entry code A), or
- externally marked by an Edexcel Examiner (entry code B).
Unit 6 Investigation (Coursework)
The Unit 6 Investigation (Coursework) submission deadline is also 15 May 2016. Candidates can re-sit Unit 6 this summer 2016 if they wish.
The Unit 6 coursework can either be:
- Teacher-Assessed and moderated by Edexcel (entry code A), or
- externally marked by an Edexcel Examiner (entry code B).
Resitting of AS and A2 units this summer 2016
If students are re-sitting any Biology, Chemistry or Physics units this summer 2016, please remember that this is the last sitting of AS units 1, 2 and 3. The best score that the student gains is carried forward to awarding in August 2016.