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POSTnote. It was first published on Tuesday, 25 March 2014. It was last updated on Wednesday, 28 May 2025.


National curriculum & A level sciences

DOI: https://doi.org/10.58248/PN017

The National Curriculum was introduced in 1989, and is changing the way science is taught in schools. Children between 5 and 16 are increasingly studying broad-based science, while at higher levels (e.g. A-Level), science continues to be offered as separate subjects. This has generated debate on the compatibility of the National Curriculum and science courses at higher levels.

This POSTnote examines the effect of the National Curriculum on science teaching and the implications for the future of GCSE and A- Level exams, as well as for higher education.

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Secondary information

Type
Research briefing
Reference
POST-PN-17 
Subjects
Curriculum Secondary education Technology Science GCE A-level
Published by
POST
Link
View this Research briefing on researchbriefings.parliament.uk