Last updated: 12 Dec 2007

Integral part of modern culture

Science is the field of study that attempts to describe and understand the nature of the universe. It is an integral part of modern culture, stretching the imagination of young people and helping to make complex things simple.

Science is compulsory from ages 5 to 16, and almost all pupils take some form of science at GCSE. Studying science post-16 is optional for all students, and students can choose from a range of qualifications.

Reporting to parents
At the end of key stages 1, 2 and 3 (years 2, 6 and 9), science is assessed through national curriculum tests and tasks. The role of the tasks and tests is to help inform teacher assessments and there is no requirement to report separately the levels obtained. At the end of each year until year 9, schools report each pupil's attainment level to parents in terms of national curriculum level descriptions. Teachers make their overall judgement by taking into account a pupil's performance and progress throughout the key stage.