A teacher visited the House of Commons to debate about the changes to science A-level exams.

David Britz-Colwill, head of biology at Woodhouse College, in Woodhouse Road, Finchley addressed the science and technology select committee.

Pupils’ final grades for science are 80 per cent dependant on their exam results, and 20 per cent on what they score in their experimental coursework.

Mr Britz-Colwill debated whether examinations watchdog Ofqual had considered all possible alternatives before finalising reforms, in which hands-on work will carry no weight in final grades.

The teacher said: “We explained that laboratory competence must have a bearing on a student’s overall performance in a science subject, in order for that qualification to be taken seriously by universities or employers in the science sector.”

Ofqual’s response during the hearing was that a number of mandatory experiments will form part of the new A-levels, although they will not be graded.

The watchdog also said 15 per cent of the questions in the new examinations will ask about practical experiments.

All members of the panel welcomed the introduction of the compulsory experiments, but did not understand why they should carry no weight.

Mr Britz-Colvill added someone who is competent at questions about science experiments is not the same as a student who is competent in carrying out science experiments.

He added: “I was pleased to be invited to be a member of the panel, this is something I feel very strongly about.

"We want to give students the best possible opportunities and fair assessments. The new qualifactions are due to be introduced in 2015, so we need to ensure that we’ve debated all of the proposals to get the best result for students.”