NUT comment on Ofqual's rejection of new science GCSE

16 June 2010

Commenting on Ofqual's decision to send the new qualifications back to the awarding organisations for more work Christine Blower, general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, the largest teachers' union said;

"I welcome the fact that Ofqual is doing its job as an independent regulator, but I would be concerned about any view taken of their action which sought to question the rigour and validity of GCSEs in general.

"In fact Ofqual's actions to investigate the new science GCSEs confirms that pupils, parents and employers can be confident that all other GCSEs continue to uphold high standards.

"In relation to science itself, it has been particularly tough to achieve a qualification which both encourages interest in science and maintains high standards and I would urge the awarding bodies to move fast to ensure that science standards are consistent across the examinations offered by all boards."