GCSE Science 'Not Challenging Enough'

England's examinations watchdog has issued a warning that standards in the new GCSE science exams has fallen.

Ofqual stated that mathematics and English literature has been maintained, though science was "clearly a cause for concern".

In a damning report which looked at science GCSEs in 2007 and 2008, the education regulator highlighted a number of issues that require "immediate action".

Its evaluations involved general science GCSEs and the separate physics GCSE, and it is now going to examine chemistry and biology.

The report said in many cases the exams did not challenge the brightest pupils, suggesting they were not difficult enough and it was easier than in previous years to get a top grade.

"In each case, Ofqual was concerned that the question types used provided insufficient opportunity for more able candidates, particularly those at higher tier, to demonstrate the extent of the scientific knowledge, understanding and skills," it said.

Ofqual looked at exams set by the three main award bodies in England, but their exams are taken by many pupils in Wales and Northern Ireland. Its findings have been copied to the equivalent bodies there.

Ofqual's Chair, Kathleen Tattersall, said: "Our monitoring shows that the revisions to the GCSE science criteria in 2005 have led to a fall in the quality of science assessments."

Ms Tattersall said the QCA was again reviewing the GCSE science criteria with a view to new specifications (syllabuses) being in schools and colleges ready for first teaching in 2011.

"Science is a vitally important subject and it is essential that these new criteria and specifications should engage and challenge all learners, particularly the most able."

Shadow Schools Minister Nick Gibb described Ofqual's report as "a terrible indictment of the Government and the QCA at a time when scientific education has never been so economically vital".

He added: "It shows why private schools are abandoning the GCSE."

Teachers unions however expressed concern that the reports could undermine confidence in those qualifications already gained by students.

Dr John Dunford, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders said he was "extremely concerned" that the reputation of GCSEs in general will be damaged.

He said: "As GCSE is taken by almost all 16-year-olds, it is imperative that it maintains public confidence. It is the task of the QCA to ensure this. Urgent action must be taken to remedy the problems in science examinations exposed by Ofqual."

(JM/BMcC)