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SCORE SeminarGCSE Science Examinations
Anthony Tomei
GCSE Science 2008 Examinations
Dr Colin Osborne
Overview
• Context
• Aims
• Methodology
• Findings
• Possible actions/further work
Context
• New GCSE’s in 2006 with a new rationale
• Expressions of concern over ‘standards’
• STEM programme
• Standards over time
Aims
• Not repeating other work
• Accuracy of the science
• Mathematics
• How Science Works
• Question/response types
• Knowledge required
Methodology
• Expert teachers and scientists
• Analysis grid devised
• Homework
• Moderation to reach a common understanding
• Plenary discussion
Findings(1)
• Science in questions was accurate but mark schemes could have problems
• Criteria at GCSE do not specify mathematics required although some awarding bodies list this in specifications
• Nevertheless most of the mathematics was not tested
Findings(2)
• Wide variation in amount of testing of ‘How Science Works’
• More in Core than Additional Science papers
• Little opportunity for extended writing
• A few examples where knowledge of science or ‘How Science Works’ was NOT required .
Possible Actions /Further work
• Recommendations in the reportScience or How Science Works required for all questions
More and higher level mathematics
More extended writing
Pre-testing of multiple choice questions
• Repeat the exercise
• Extend it to A-level
• Carry out related projects eg in maths
SCORE SeminarGCSE Science Examinations
