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Here we go again; A review of the changes to GCSE specifications

Here we go again; A review of the changes to GCSE specifications. And what we are going to do about it? A discussion/workshop. New Twenty First Century Course www.gcse-science.com. What are the key changes?. Weighting of the Units Coursework Exam questions

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Here we go again; A review of the changes to GCSE specifications

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  1. Here we go again; A review of the changes to GCSE specifications And what we are going to do about it? A discussion/workshop

  2. New Twenty First Century Coursewww.gcse-science.com

  3. What are the key changes? • Weighting of the Units • Coursework • Exam questions • Re-sit rules and 40% terminal requirement • Content of the course

  4. Weighting of the Units

  5. Coursework • ALL Controlled Assessment • Task set by OCR valid for submission one year only • Choice of tasks GCSE Science – Case Study and Practical Data Analysis GCSE Additional Science – Investigation GCSE Bio, Chem, Phy- Investigation

  6. Exam Questions • No Ideas in Context Papers • Ideas in Context in all papers (including Add and Bio,Chem,Phys) and in different contexts • Exam time 60 minutes • Free response 60% (?) • Objective style questions 40% • Mathematical questions more than interpretation of data – quantitative answers

  7. Overview of changes: Biology

  8. Overview of Changes: Chemistry

  9. Overview of Changes: Physics

  10. Decisions now.... • Which modules will we cover from Jan 2011 with Year 9? • Which exams do we want to enter in Jan 2012? (Can do Science unit 1 and 2, Bio,Chem,Phy unit 1) • What do we want to do about text books? • Oxbox replaces ipacks • Do we want to do a practice Controlled Assessment

  11. What will we miss? • Freedom to choose a Case Study Topic

  12. How we are managing changes to the AQA syllabus

  13. Mapping out • We are starting the process now! • Free launch event from exam board • Questionnaire for department staff • Launch event for department • Writing with the support of a team • Using it as a chance to build upon current educational developments • Evaluation of each others work

  14. In or Out? • Use AQA document to find out about what is staying, going or moving • Organise current materials and re-distribute • Start the re-writing process

  15. Support • e-AQA!!! • Ask AQA • The Science Lab • AQA teacher forum • Exampro online • Enhanced results analysis

  16. CAU (controlled Assessment unit) • Language change in a lot of HSW materials • Students who do a lot of practical work would be more confident in this style of work • Element on research

  17. Exams • Less shorter answers (1 and 2 marks) • More longer answer responses

  18. Edexcel; GCSE Science and Additional Science

  19. The Basic Structure; Science

  20. Assessment; exams Old course New Course Each unit is assessed through a one hour, 60 mark, tiered written examination, containing six questions. The examination will contain a mixture of question styles, including objective questions, short answer questions and extended writing questions. Examples not yet published • Science • 6x 20 min multichoice exams • Additional • Choice 2 from;- • 3 structured papers • 3 multiple choice • “Research” activity

  21. Controlled Assessments Old Course New Course Students have to complete the equivalent of ONE IAA (now called Science Controlled Assessments SCA) witha aspects of planning, observation and concluding. Same again for additional • Students have to complete 3 IAAs one in biology, chemistry, physics for Science. • Same again for Additional • Each one contains aspects of planning, interpretation and evaluation

  22. Implications of assessment • 40% of the exams (including SCA) must be completed when results are to be “cashed-in” for certification. • Only one re-sit allowed. If that is in the 40% that mark will have to count (even if its lower.) • Tier of entry must be decided when students are entered. • No choice of method of assessment. Retrograde step towards personalisaing learning!

  23. Content changes; eg C1 • 6 “compulsory” practicals. • Wide range (15) of “suggested” practicals. (not so many in physics and biology (only 6 in each) • Similar in C2 (and B2, P2)

  24. Example C1 ctd. • Earth’s atmosphere • Rocks • Acids (reactions with acids and gas tests) • Metals (reactivity and extraction) • Fuels (oil and simple organic)

  25. Example C2 • Atomic Structure • Ionic chemistry • Covalent chemistry and separation techniques • Periodic table • Chemical reactions • Quantitative chemistry

  26. What I like. • Assessment process is simpler • Only one SCA equivalent • Less re-sits permitted • Some traditional science has returned • Emphasis on practical work • Very little over lap between science and additional

  27. What I don’t like • Some “modern” science (eg mobile phones, nanotechnology) gone • Tier of entry must be fixed at time of exam entry • No “choice” of assessment route • It still looks like loads of content to get through • Proposed exam structure may favour girls?

  28. Contacts • John Charlesworth jcharlesworth@sibfordschool.co.uk • Alastair Gittner a.gittner@talktalk.net

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