ELC Science subject update
Autumn 2026
Welcome to our autumn 2026 newsletter
Welcome back. In this edition you’ll find our assessment updates, online CPD resources and links to support your teaching. Remember, Team Science is here to help with assessment, resources and CPD. Book a Free at 3? slot if you’d like to discuss anything related to our Science offer.
ESAs and reports on the exam are available through Centre Services.
Please remember that the sample Externally Set Assignments (ESAs) available on our website are not intended for use as live assessments. For live assessments, schools and colleges should use the secure assessment materials available through Centre Services. These materials are specifically provided for live assessment use and are held within a secure environment.
Help shape the future of digital assessment
We’d like to hear about your experiences of digital teaching, learning and assessment through a short survey.
By sharing your experiences, you’ll help us shape the guidance, resources and support teachers need as digital assessment continues to evolve.
The survey contains 24 questions, takes around 12 minutes to complete and closes on 1 November 2026. As a thank you, participants who complete the survey can enter a prize draw for the chance to win one of four £50 gift vouchers.
Exploring Summer 2026
Join us for our upcoming Exploring Summer 2026 session:
Community links
Royal Society of Chemistry
- Deepen your knowledge and boost your confidence teaching practical’s in chemistry with the RSC's Teaching practical science series. Your 11–16 year-old learners will reap the benefits.
- Discover the RSC's ready-to-use, editable resources to prepare, deliver, assess and enrich key chemistry topics. There's plenty of topics at 11–14 and 14–16 to choose from already, with more coming this term.
SAPS
- Looking to gain confidence in teaching photosynthesis? SAPS are offering their free course Teaching Photosynthesis with Confidence and Enthusiasm - Science & Plants for Schools.
Get more with MyAQA
myAQA gives you access to everything you need to plan, teach and assess, including our secure extranet – Centre Services. Here you’ll find essential resources, such as the latest past papers, as well as Teacher Online Standardisation (T-OLS) and much more.
Don’t have a myAQA account yet? Complete a short form to get started. Once your Exams Officer has verified your registration, then you’re ready to go.
Student Advisory Group recruitment for 2026/27
Help your learners influence the future of exams
We’re looking for learners to join our Student Advisory Group for 2026/27. The group gives young people a direct opportunity to share their experiences and views on qualifications, assessments and the wider exam system. Their insights will help shape the future of the curriculum, qualifications and assessments for young people, as well as our work to offer new vocational qualifications.
If you know any learners who may be interested, please encourage them to apply – we’re looking for students who have taken AQA qualifications, though this is not essential, and they can be sitting general or vocational qualifications.
Applications open: Monday 7 September 2026
Applications close: 5.00pm on Monday 21 September 2026
Thank you for helping us raise awareness of this opportunity among your learners. For more information about the Student Advisory Group and details on how to apply, please visit our website.
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) within assessments
Read the latest JCQ guidance on the use of AI in assessments in the AI in assessments: protecting the integrity of qualifications document. The guidance explains how AI can be used appropriately in assessments and outlines the requirements for reporting suspected misuse.
Contact our team
Whatever your question, our Subject Support team is here to help.
Email: gcsescience@aqa.org.uk
Call: 01483 477 756
Monday to Friday, 8am–5pm
Book a Free at 3? session with your AQA Science subject specialist