Science forum

To help us collect the views of the widest possible audience, the QCA Science team has launched a new online 'Science forum'. This forum currently has three topics - key stage 3 review, key stage 4 in 2006 and post-16 review. Join the forum and contribute to these discussions now by going to the 'Science forum' link.

Autumn conferences

The science team has just finished its key stage 4 conferences. There will be no key stage 1, 2 or 3 update conferences this year. The science team is hoping to run key stage 1, 2 and 3 conferences during 2006. If you have questions regarding these conferences, please email science@qca.org.uk.

Key stage 4

There is a new key stage 4 programme of study from 2006, which will lead to new GCSE and entry level specifications. Further information on this and other key stage 4 developments can be found under 'Key stage 4 in 2006' in the left-hand menu on this page.

Teachers TV

Teachers TV is a channel for everyone who works in education, from heads to NQTs, from governors to support staff. Programmes take you inside classrooms and schools across the country to see how good teachers are bringing the curriculum to life and improving schools. To go to the Teachers TV website, click on the link in the right-hand menu on this page.

Entry level

General information about Entry level can be found in the qualifications area of the QCA website, accessed via the link in the right-hand menu on this page.

Key stages 2 and 3

New tasks are now available for pupils working below the level of the tests and for the most able pupils in key stages 2 and 3. These tasks are designed to provide interesting stimulus materials to help support teachers in assessing what pupils know, understand and are able to do. The new tasks this year correspond to the international year of the sea.

Optional tasks for more able pupils
Key stage 2
Key stage 3

Optional tasks below the level of the tests
Key stage 2
Key stage 3

AS/A2

A new qualification, The history, philosophy and ethics of science (perspectives on science), is currently being piloted at AS level by Edexcel. Queries about this new AS should be directed to Edexcel. The pilot will run until June 2006.

OCR and AQA have revised their VCEs in science to an AS and A2 structure. These revised specifications are for first teaching in September 2005. A link to further information about this process can be found in the right-hand menu on this page.

Advanced extension award (AEA)

An advanced extension award has been developed in psychology, available from summer 2005. (Physics, chemistry and biology AEAs are already available.)

AEAs are to be given a UCAS value of 10 points for merit and 20 points for distinction from 2006.