The pilot course
Pilot schools 
The pilot course started in September 2003. It was run by the awarding body (exam board) OCR in close collaboration with the project team which provided most of the support for pilot schools.
OCR had an enthusiastic response from a great many schools wanting to join the pilot - but QCA normally only allow 50 to take part. On this occasion QCA agreed to raise that figure to about 80. See how they got on Teaching the courses
Twenty First Century Science for all
All schools have been able start the course from September 2006 when the new GCSE specifications started. Published resources are now available from OUP.
Beginnings
This whole project began because the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) was asked by the government to explore ways to modernise the science curriculum. This was in response to the many criticisms from young people, teachers, employers and others that the National Curriculum at the time was failing in important ways.
The role of OCR
QCA commissioned the Awarding Body, OCR, to develop the specifications for the three pilot GCSE courses. OCR examiners worked closely with the project team OCR to make this happen.
Drawing on the lessons of the pilot, OCR has since revised the specifications for September 2006. See OCR specs
The role of the project
The Twenty First Century Science project team has taken a leading role in this initiative from the start. The team is available to support schools that have adopted the new courses now that development of the resources is complete. This includes resources to support Entry Level Science and Triple Science.
