Following Ofqual's 2008 scrutiny, OCR made some changes to science examination papers, (especially for Twenty First Century), but these did not affect the papers for the 2009 series, which were the subject of this report.  The first series, in which examination papers were issued with a revised structure, was January 2010.  

However, some of Ofqual's recommendations from 2008 required changes to the criteria for GCSE sciences and in April, draft specifications and Specimen Assessment Materials (SAMs) were submitted to Ofqual for accreditation. Following our usual development process, we're addressing the feedback received and will resubmit in due course.

Ofqual has made an announcement that GCSE sciences are expected to be accredited by the end of December 2010, but we're working hard to ensure that you have approved specifications and SAMs before this.

Our GCSE science suites comprise a range of qualifications, from combined to single sciences to take into account the different learning paths and progression routes of different students. We have worked closely with the science community in developing these specifications, and we will be taking into account all feedback we have received from the regulator including implementation of all recommendations in the July 2010 review of the Joint Ofqual and DCELLS investigation.

We are committed to providing you with full training and resources to take you through the changes identified with the new qualifications. For information regarding our science specifications, please visit www.gcse-science.com.