New science GCSE specifications in 2011
See the QCA website and complete their questionnaire
New science GCSE specifications
The previous story
QCA has begun the process which will lead to revised science GCSE specifications from 2011 http://www.qca.org.uk/qca_21855.aspx
These must take account of new GCSE criteria common to all subjects (e.g. introducing controlled assessment) and recommendations in the recent Ofqual report http://www.21stcenturyscience.org/news/ofqual-report-on-gcse-sciences,935,NS.html.
The current Programme of Study for key stage 4, which includes 'how science works' and science content, remains unchanged.
During April QCA is convening meetings to develop subject criteria for each of:
*GCSE Science
*GCSE Additional Science
*GCSE Additional Applied Science
*GCSE Biology
*GCSE Chemistry
*GCSE Physics
These meetings involve representatives from awarding bodies, science subject associations and practising teachers. Once these subject criteria are in place, awarding bodies will redevelop their specifications and submit them for accreditation.
Timeline
April-June 2009
QCA drafts subject criteria for 6 science GCSE subjects
June-Sept 2009
public consultation subject criteria for 6 science GCSE subjects
November 2009
subject criteria finalised and published
May 2010
awarding bodies submit specifications for accreditation
August 2010
new GCSE specifications accredited
Sept 20011
first teaching of new GCSE specifications
Consulting the users
In coming months, the Twenty First Century Science project team will be working with OCR (the awarding body) and OUP (the publisher) to improve all C21 courses. Most important, we will be consulting with schools so that classroom practice, year planning and other school-based issues inform the revisions.
