Teacher and technician zone

It may feel like you’re heading towards even more change, but don’t worry. Twenty First Century Science is being revised to match the new Ofqual criteria for GCSE science from 2011 – but the features that makes it so successful are not changing.

So what's happening?

OCR is working in partnership with the project team of UYSEG and Nuffield to update the Twenty First Century Science specifications to match the Ofqual criteria for GCSE science.

The new criteria require some material to move between modules in all three subjects. There will also be changes to the assessment structure – all GCSEs now have a maximum of four units of assessment, three examination papers plus a fourth unit of controlled assessment. Controlled Assessment replaces coursework but the new tasks will reflect the best elements of the current coursework tasks.

To support these new specifications, Oxford University Press is working in partnership with OCR, Nuffield and UYSEG to publish a new edition of our hugely popular Twenty First Century Science resources. The new resources will still contain all the features you know and love, as well as providing you with all the support you need for new specification content and assessment.

What do I need to do if I need to start teaching the new specification before September 2011?

If you teach any GCSE sciences over 3 years rather than 2, you will need to start following the new specification from September 2010, for students finishing the course in 2013. Oxford University Press, OCR, Nuffield and UYSEG are working together to make sure you have as much information as possible as soon as possible.

Oxford University Press is also providing early material to schools that need to start teaching the new specifications in September 2010. To receive a free sample of this early material, simply order a Twenty First Century Science Evaluation Pack. You will automatically get the free advance material as well as the Evaluation Pack. Email shelly.phillips@oup.com

As the specifications develop, we will continue to make information available online as early as possible to help you with your early planning, including schemes of work and mapping grids to support teachers wishing to use the current resources during the transition to the new specifications.

Do I need to do anything now?

Yes, you need to order your Twenty First Century Science Evaluation Pack. This pack will show you how the course matches the 2011 specifications, and contains everything you need to help make the transition to the new specifications as smooth as possible.

If you would like to order an Evaluation Pack, simply email me at shelly.phillips@oup.com. The Evaluation Pack will be available in January 2011. And don’t forget, if you order an Evaluation Pack you will also receive a free early material pack.

Where can I find out more information?

You can find more product information at www.oxfordsecondary.co.uk/twentyfirstcenturyscience and you can also read our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have a question that’s unanswered, drop me an email at shelly.phillips@oup.com and I’ll get back to you.

Also, you can sign up to the Twenty First Century Science teachers’ discussion list to keep up-to-date, or visit OCR for the most up-to-date specification information at www.gcse-science.com.

 

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