Science lesson reforms 'rushed'

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The changes are designed to make the science curriculum for 11-14-year-olds more flexible and include cuts to the amount of detail which is specified.

But an alliance of organisations including the Royal Society and the Institute of Physics warned that teachers do not have enough time to get to grips with the new system, which is due to come into force next year.

Science teachers are already under pressure, having to cope with numerous changes to the way their subject is taught, according to the group, called Score.

From September this year, many science teachers will be teaching the second year of new GCSE courses, as well as preparing to introduce GCSEs in the separate sciences and new A-level courses from September 2008.

Professor Michael Reiss, director of education at the Royal Society, said on behalf of Score: "It's vital more young people are interested and enthused about studying the sciences. It is therefore alarming that changes at such an important time for young people - their first taste of secondary school - are being rushed along on the wave of reform without any piloting."

Score includes the Association for Science Education, Biosciences Federation, Institute of Biology, Institute of Physics, Royal Society, Royal Society of Chemistry and the Science Council.

A DfES spokesman rejected the claim that the reforms were being rushed. He said: "The changes are not being rushed in - far from it.

"Our work is the result of extensive consultation with industry, academics and Royal Society themselves and have widespread support. Teachers are not being asked to tear up lesson plans and start again from September 2008.

"The Key Stage 3 (11 to 14-year-olds) changes will be phased in over three years and will be supported by a full package of guidance and support to teachers of science and all other teachers starting in September."