A level reform: regulations for biology, chemistry and physics
Proposed regulations and guidance for the design, delivery and award of new biology, chemistry and physics A levels.
We are seeking views on the additional rules and guidance that we propose to put in place for the new A level qualifications in biology, chemistry and physics which are to be taught in England from September 2015.
These new rules relate to the assessment of A level students’ practical skills and associated requirements on marking, results and certification.
We have already accredited all the new AS and A level qualifications in biology, chemistry and physics which will be taught from September 2015. The specifications for these new qualifications currently include provisional information about the practical skills assessments. We are now consulting on the detailed rules and guidance that we propose to put in place for these assessments.
We are also consulting on the consolidation of the rules and guidance in relation to biology, chemistry and physics into one single set of documents which will apply to all three subjects.
After this consultation, when we have put in place the final rules and guidance, exam boards will make appropriate changes to the practical skills sections of their specifications (as needed). The exam boards will not need to resubmit their amended specifications for accreditation.