To achieve high-quality science and chemistry education, the curriculum should be engaging, inspiring, and relevant, and assessment should be fit for purpose.
We look at curriculum and assessment matters from the start of primary education right through to the end of secondary school.
Set up in 2014, the Curriculum and Assessment Working Group aims to develop a comprehensive view of an appropriate school chemistry curriculum, from primary to the end of formal school/college education.
The goals are to:
- consider and provide guidance and information on content criteria (including scientific skills and ideas) for chemistry qualifications
- consider and provide guidance and information on appropriate assessment models for chemistry qualifications
- advise on responses to external consultations on curriculum, qualification and assessment matters
- advise the staff, Education Division Council, Science, Education & Industry Board and Council on any matters associated with the chemistry curriculum.
Changes to the assessment of A-levels in the sciences: what do they mean for higher education admissions?
May 2015
Our guide – Changes to the assessment of A-levels in the sciences – explains how those working in higher education admissions can help ensure students receive a rich practical experience at A-level in light of the changes to practical assessment.
Changes to the assessment of A-levels in the sciencesThe introduction of T-levels
May 2019
T-levels – new post-GCSE technical qualifications – will soon be introduced in England. We are monitoring their development closely, with a particular focus on the option designed to lead to the occupation of laboratory technician.
Our policy briefing on T-levels gives more background about these new qualifications.
We were represented on the panel that developed the outline content for the Science T-level, and provided input into individual strands of the programme such as the industry placement. We have also responded to a range of consultations:
- our response to the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education's consultation on the outline content for the Science T-level; many of our recommendations were accepted
- our response to the consultation on provider funding for T-level programmes
- a summary of our responses to the Department for Education's consultation on T-levels and Ofqual's consultation on regulating the Technical Qualification.
Education Policy
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