We’ve been working hard to make the relevant changes to our qualifications following Ofqual’s decisions on summer 2021 exams, so here are the changes you need to know about for GCSE, AS and A-level Science.
These changes only apply to the 2021 exam series.
There are no planned changes to our assessments for GCSE Biology (8461), Chemistry (8462), Physics (8463), Combined Science: Trilogy (8464) or Combined Science: Synergy (8465) in 2021.
Ofqual’s decisions on summer 2021 exams will mean that exams in GCSE science qualifications will follow the same structure and format as those in summer 2019, and will assess all of the components and objectives described in the specifications, including students’ knowledge and understanding of working scientifically, the apparatus and techniques and the required practical activities.
We understand the challenges involved in providing frequent hands-on practical experiences for all students. For summer 2021 only:
There are no planned changes to our assessments for AS Biology (7401), Chemistry (7404), Environmental Science (7446) and Physics (7407) in 2021.
Ofqual’s decisions on summer 2021 exams will mean that exams in AS level science qualifications will follow the same structure and format as those in summer 2019, and will assess all of the components and objectives described in the specifications, including students’ knowledge and understanding of the apparatus and techniques and the required practical activities.
We understand the challenges involved in providing frequent hands-on practical experiences for all students. For summer 2021 only:
These permissions only apply to students who are following an AS level science pathway and aren’t intending to progress to A-level in 2021-2022. Students following or intending to follow an A-level pathway in Biology, Chemistry or Physics are required to carry out practical activities in order to routinely and consistently meet the Common Practical Assessment Criteria (CPAC).
There are no planned changes to our assessments for A-level Biology (7402), Chemistry (7405), Environmental Science (7447) and Physics (7408) in 2021.
Ofqual’s decisions on summer 2021 exams will mean that exams in A-level Science qualifications will follow the same structure and format as those in summer 2019, and will assess all of the components and objectives described in the specifications, including students’ knowledge and understanding of the apparatus and techniques and the required practical activities.
We understand the challenges involved in providing frequent hands-on practical experiences for all students. For summer 2021 only:
Students following or intending to follow an A-level pathway in Biology, Chemistry and / or Physics are still required to carry out practical activities in order to routinely and consistently meet the Common Practical Assessment Criteria (CPAC).
We’ll be publishing further guidance about the summer 2021 exams over the coming months.