Science
September 2023 BTEC Teaching Science update
Welcome back to the start of the new academic year. This update provides details of webinars that will introduce our NEW Pearson BTEC Nationals submitted for first teaching September 2025 as part of the Post-16 reforms. Other useful information for this time of year has also been provided.
Pearson Sixth Form College Networks
We are hosting Pearson Sixth Form College Networks in October and early November. At these you will get an opportunity to hear about the L3 Educational Reform and how our vocational, technical and academic qualification suites can support you and your learners going forward.
The networks will cover the following:
- An update on L3 educational reforms including our new BTEC Nationals Alternative Academic Qualifications (AAQs) and Technicals planned offer
- BTEC Quality Assurance update including key dates for 23/24 academic year
- An update on our A Level qualifications, GCSE English 2.0 and Maths offer including our comprehensive resources and support
- A facilitated discussion on curriculum planning including T Levels, BTEC Nationals AAQs, Technicals and A Level
- An opportunity to share good practice, network with colleagues across the region as well as meet Pearson colleagues.
Webinar - Introducing your new Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Applied Science first teach September 2025
05 October 2023 at 16:00 - 17:00 GMT | Online | Free| Pearson Event Code 23INAPP01
We are hosting an event Introducing your new Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Applied Science (AAQ) for first teaching September 2025. At this event there will be an opportunity to get a first look at the new specification, assessments and support. DfE funding and approval will be confirmed in July 2024.
Webinar - Introducing your new Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Medical Science first teach September 2025
12 October 2023 at 16:00 - 17:00 GMT | Online | Free | Pearson Event Code 23INMED01
We are hosting an event introducing your new Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Medical Science (AAQ) for first teaching September 2025. At this event will be an opportunity to get a first look at the new specification, assessments and support. DfE funding and approval will be confirmed in July 2024.
BTEC Level 3 reform in England news page
We are keeping centres informed with latest news on L3 reforms in England via our dedicated web page - see the link below where you can find out more.
Amendment to Unit 13: Forensic Genetics
In July we sent an update to all centres about an amendment to Unit 13: Forensic Genetics that appears in BTEC Level 3 Nationals in Forensic Investigation and Forensic and Criminal Investigation Qualifications. In case you have not seen the update, a link to it is provided below.
BTEC Nationals in Applied Science and Forensic and Criminal Investigation Unit 3 (31619H) assessment
The Unit 3 (31619H) assessment changes described in the guidance below will stay in place for future exam series including January 2023 and Summer 2024.
You may also wish to view the recent assessments for Unit 3 on the qualification page to help you understand the present assessment structure.
BTEC 2023-24 Centre Guides
We have updated and released the BTEC Centre Guides for 2023-24 which can now be located on the Quality Assurance web page.
Under the BTEC Level 2 & Level 3 section you will find centre guides for Internal Assessment, Internal Verification, Lead Internal Verifier, Quality Assurance, for Assignment Writing, for Managing Plagiarism (including AI).
The BTEC Annual Year Planner is also available on this page.
Timetables
Timetables for January and Summer 2024 can be viewed on our website.
Edexcel Online and Multi-factor Authentication
In June we introduced Multi-factor Authentication as additional layer of security to Edexcel Online to help protect your centre and learner data. If you experience any problems with accessing our secure documents such as exam materials, or our systems such as that require an Edexcel Online account e.g. Results Plus, please refer the update below with links to trouble shooting steps that you can follow.
Read news update on Edexcel Online Multi-factor authentication
Vocational Qualification Bulletins
We send out regular Vocational Qualification Bulletins to keep centres informed of our support and services. You can sign up to these and also read previous bulletins on our website.
Subject advisor
Irine Muhiuddin
Science
Subject updates
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April 2026 Teaching Science update
Welcome to the April Teaching Science Update.
This update includes key dates for Head Teacher declaration forms, the A level Biology A pre-release article for summer exams, training events such as a BTEC briefing on Level 2 and Level 3 reforms in England, Paper 3 preparation networks for A level Chemistry and Physics, new A level Physics switching guides for Pearson Edexcel, and other qualifications news to keep you informed.
Best wishes,
Irine Muhiuddin
Science Subject Advisor
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International Science Qualification News April 2026
Hello colleagues,
Welcome to your April update for teachers of International Science qualifications! This update has information on the scientific article for IAL biology, an invitation to take part in research for IAL biology and chemistry teachers, news of support for centres affected by the conflict in the Middle East, a UCAS consultation which may be of interest to those in the UK, and recordings of recent 'preparing for our exams' training!
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