Written question asked by Ashok Kumar (Labour) on Wednesday, 6 May 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 8 May 2009. It was answered by Lord Knight of Weymouth (Labour) on Wednesday, 13 May 2009 on behalf of the Department for Children, Schools and Families.

Science: GCSE

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families if his Department will bring forward proposals to make GCSE science courses more interesting and challenging for pupils.

Answer: A new programme of study for science at Key Stage 4 was introduced into schools for first teaching from September 2006. The new curriculum maintains the breadth, depth and challenge of the previous curriculum, but has a better balance between knowledge and understanding. Pupils now learn more about the applications and implications of science (for example, global warming and genetic screening).GCSE specifications were also revised from September 2006 to reflect the new programme of study. QCA are currently reviewing the GCSE science criteria again with a view to revised specifications being taught from September 2011: these changes will ensure that the content remains up to date and engaging, and will address concerns about the level of challenge in some assessments identified in the recent Ofqual review of the 2006 specifications. Awarding bodies have also made changes to this summer's assessments in response to the Ofqual report.

Secondary information