Assessment
The formal assessment includes a range of styles that reflect the aims of the course: structured exam papers, one internally assessed unit and a case study based on pre-release material.
Sample assessment material is available
here (1.9 MB) for all three externally examined units.
Full details of the assessment objectives and their weightings can be found on the approved specification on the AQA website.
The teaching resources include activities suitable for use as Assessment for Learning exercises.
Unit 1 – SCIS1
Exploring key scientific issues
60% of AS, 30% of A Level
2 hours written paper
A number of compulsory structured questions, including comprehension, data analysis and data response questions. Some of these questions will require longer answers in continuous prose.
A sample exam paper for unit 1 is available
here (300 KB).
Unit 2 – SCIS2
Reading and writing about science
40% of AS, 20% of A Level
Two pieces of writing:
- a critical account of scientific readings
- a study of a topical scientific issue.
Unit 3 – SCIS3
Exploring key scientific issues
30% of A Level
2 hours written paper
Section A – a number of compulsory structured questions requiring short answers
Section B – one question requiring an answer in continuous prose.
A sample exam paper for unit 3 is available
here (3.4 MB).
Unit 4 – SCIS4
Case study of a scientific issue
20% of A Level
1 hour 30 minutes written paper
Questions based on pre-released material, augmented with additional material in the examination session.
Section A – several questions requiring short answers
Section B – two questions requiring answers in continuous prose.
A sample exam paper for unit 4 is available
here (2.0 MB).
Last updated: 16 April 2008