Science GCSEs for 2011 update
Draft new specifications for 2011 on the OCR website
See OCR GCSE specifications 2011.
These are not the final specifications and are subject to change. Final specifications will be accredited in autumn 2010.
Revising the specifications
There are QCDA new criteria for each of the six GCSEs in science (Science, Additional Science, Additional Applied Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics).
The C21 project team at Nuffield and York have been working with OCR the awarding body to develop the new specifications to match the new QCDA criteria. There is some new material (balanced by deletions!), and some material has to move between Science and Additional Science in all three subjects.
Apart from changes required by the criteria, we have limited other changes to places where a clarification of specifications statements will help both teachers and examiners.
Download the powerpoint which was presented at ASE Conference January 2010, University of Nottingham.
C21 Sciences for 2011 (1.1 MB)
Timetable for revision of specification and exams
OCR submit the specifications to QCDA for approval in April 2010. In April 2010 OCR will also publish the draft specifications to help schools with planning. Final specifications will be accredited in autumn 2010.
The first exams for the new specifications will be in January 2012.
New OUP publications for new specifications - but change kept to a minimum
The C21 project team is working with OUP to produce a new edition of all the course materials. We are taking the opportunity to listen to teachers and amend the resources in the light of feedback.
Publication timetable
Many schools will begin teaching the new course before September 2011, so OCR, OUP and the C21 project team will work together to ensure you have as much information as possible as soon as possible.
When the draft specifications are published in April / May we will provide some guidance for those teaching the new B1, C1 and P1 modules from September 2010.
The new materials will be available from January 2011.
We will also publish schemes of work and maps to support teachers using the current materials. This will help schools make the transition to the new courses and will support schools who are not able to buy all the new resources at once.
Keep in touch
To keep up to date with developments come back to this website.
Also sign up the C21 teachers’ discussion list via the OUP website - see email discussion forum (scroll down the page).
