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Practical work at A Level. Changes in assessment. CPAC & AT
What are they?
How do they impact on my planning and teaching?
Monitoring visit. Future work.
1. To support and consolidate scientific concepts (knowledge and understanding).
This is done by applying and developing what is known and understood of abstract ideas and
models. Through practical work we are able to make sense of new information and observations,
and provide insights into the development of scientific thinking.
2. To develop investigative skills.
These transferable skills include: a. devising and investigating testable questions
b. identifying and controlling variablesc. analysing, interpreting and evaluating data.
3. To build and master practical skills such as:
a. using specialist equipment to take measurements
b. handling and manipulating equipment with confidence and fluency
c. recognising hazards and planning how to minimise risk.
Source: AQA Biology Practical Handbook, 2015
Source: AQA Biology Practical Handbook, 2015
Apparatus and techniques
These have been agreed by all exam boards, so all students will have experienced similar
practical work after following a science A-level course.
Examples:
Use of light microscope at high power and low power, including use of a graticule
Purify a solid product by recrystallization
Use laser or light source to investigate characteristics of light
12 required practical activities
These have been specified by each exam board. They cover the apparatus and techniques
for each subject – so teachers do not have to worry about whether they are all covered.
Examples:
Use of aseptic techniques to investigate the effect of antimicrobial substances on microbial
growth
Carry out simple test-tube reactions to identify cations and anions in aqueous solution
Determination of g by a free-fall method.
Source: AQA Biology Practical Handbook
1. Assessment in exam papers (assessed
by exam board).
15% of written assessment at AS & A Level
will be focused on practical skills.
2. Practical endorsement (assessed by
centres)
Pass or Unclassified.
Source: OCR Practical Endorsement Training
1. Follows written procedures2. Applies investigative approaches and methods
when using instruments and equipment3. Safely uses a range of practical equipment and
materials4. Makes and records observations5. Researches, references and reports
Source: Catherine Witter PowerPoint
Source: Catherine Witter PowerPoint
Source: Catherine Witter PowerPoint
Slide 15 Copyright © AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved.
Source: Catherine Witter PowerPoint
Source: Catherine Witter PowerPoint
