Science
BTEC assessment for academic year 2022-2023
This update is for BTEC Science qualifications and summaries the assessment arranagements in place for this academic year.
BTEC Assessment 2022-2023
Ofqual confirmed the subject content and assessment arrangements for qualifications in the following academic year (2022/23). They confirmed that:
“For other qualifications, including vocational and technical qualifications taught alongside or instead of GCSEs, AS and A levels, a range of adaptations were permitted in academic year 2021 to 2022. […] Given that public health restrictions are no longer in place, these adaptations are no longer necessary for the academic year 2022 to 2023 onwards.”
This means internal assessment adaptations and streamlined assessment will not be available in 2022/23 so centres should teach and assess the BTEC qualifications as normal in full, for all students being assessed this year.
BTEC Nationals in Applied Science and Forensic and Criminal Investigation Unit 3 (31619H) assessment
The changes implemented to BTEC Nationals in Applied Science and Forensic and Criminal Investigation Unit 3 (31619H) assessment that is described in the guidance below will stay in place this academic year and future years.
As you will read in the guidance, learners no longer have a practical task to complete for Part A going forward. Instead they are given a 45-minute reading period to understand and review a scientific method and experimental data that was generated from the method. Learners will then complete Part B straight after on the same day which will remain unchanged in structure and format.
You can view the latest exam materials for Unit 3 on the link below to help you understand the present assessment structure.
We have also produced Additional Sample Assessment Material that were released when the changes were first implemented. This consisted of an updated version of the January 2020 Unit 3 exam paper to show how the Part A and B assessments would have looked if we had implemented the changes in January 2020.
Timetables
Timetables for 2023 external assessments are available on our timetables page below.
Subject advisor
Irine Muhiuddin
Science
Subject updates
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March 2026 Teaching Science update
Welcome to the March Teaching Science update
This update brings together the key dates, reminders and support you’ll need over the coming weeks — from practical declaration forms to new resources and training opportunities. There are two short videos which explain the process of submitting the Head Teacher forms for GCSE Science and GCSE Astronomy.You’ll also find the latest qualification news, including updates for GCSE, A level, BTEC and ELC Science, alongside FAQs and guidance for the reformed BTEC National AAQ Applied Science. Whether you’re finalising entries, supporting students with practical work, or planning ahead for next year, we’re here to help you feel confident and supported.
Best wishes,
Irine Muhiuddin
Science Subject Advisor -
International Science Qualification News March 2026
Hello colleagues,
Welcome to your March update for teachers of International Science qualifications! Along with key dates and FAQs we have examiner vacancies and news of a new Lab Setup Guide as well as mapping documents for IAL sciences, examWizard news (with practical past paper questions available now for IAL Biology), the recording of our recent STEM university applications webinar and provisional timetables for the June 2027 exam series.
As ever, don't hesitate to get in touch if I can help in any way - why not book a Teams call with me (follow the link below) if it would be helpful to talk something over?
Best wishes,
Tim Lawrence
Pearson Edexcel Subject Advisor for International Science Qualifications