Minister admits 'serious problem' with science exam

The schools minister has admitted that there is a "serious problem" with the GCSE science exam.

Jim Knight was responding to a report from exams watchdog Ofqual which claimed that science GSCEs in England, particularly physics, have become "too easy".

Ofqual called for "immediate action" to rectify the form of assessment for GCSE science pupils.

And its report stated that the qualification is a "serious cause for concern".

Kathleen Tattersall, chairwoman of Ofqual, told the BBC of particular concern with the design of the question papers and the specific questions asked.

"The problem has been that the questions that have been set, and they have largely been objective questions, haven't been sufficient to challenge the most able candidates," she said.

"They haven't had an opportunity, for example, to express opinions in extended writing."

Tattersall added that this was a "great shame" for talented GCSE science pupils.

She continued: "Objective tests have their place and they are very good and reliable means of assessment.

"But I think if you are looking at the higher order skills, you need to look at ways that they can be teased out of the candidate."

She said that Knight was already responding in a "positive way", but that the government must act fast.

In response, Knight told the BBC that the government was setting up a "robust regulator" to improve standards.

He admitted: "Clearly, there is a serious problem with the GCSE science exam.

"We have set up a robust regulator who is sufficiently independent now to tell us some uncomfortable truths."

But Knight said that the reason for some simple questions was not only to test the A* pupils but also to test the "bottom end" D, E or F students.

And he maintained that Ofqual had concluded that maths and English assessment are in "good health".

Knight added: "Just because we have got a problem with the way the knowledge is being assessed, that doesn't mean that the knowledge isn't there."