Exam boards are planning to make science GCSE papers easier, reports say.
Under new proposals, the tests will contain fewer tough questions requiring lengthy answers and more that ask students simply to tick a multiple choice box, a document seen by a newspaper revealed.
The guidelines on how examiners should test pupils' knowledge have apparently been drawn up by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ), which represents awarding bodies across Britain.
They reflect a non-binding agreement between the exam boards, the newspaper reports.
The plan is said to be for exam papers to consist of 70% "low-demand questions", requiring simpler or multiple-choice answers. Currently such questions make up 55% of the paper.
Jim Sinclair, JCQ director, told the newspaper the proposed changes were a way of stopping children being "turned off" by science.
But the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) insisted there were no plans to alter the way the subject was examined. "We have recently revised these examinations and we have no plans to look at them again," a spokeswoman said.
"GSCEs have been a massive success in driving up standards and their rigour is trusted by teachers, pupils, parents and employers alike."
The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA), to which exam boards must submit papers for a stamp of approval, said it would not let standards slip.
A spokesman said he was not aware of any changes, but added: "Papers are cleared through us. We have to make sure that the standards of GCSEs awarded in any subject remain the same year after year.So if anything looked like it would compromise that, we would take an interest."
