Changing Landscape of Science Education in England
Assessment of practical skills in Science A-levels is changing in England since September 2017. Practical skills will be assessed through written exams and direct teacher assessment, leading to a practical endorsement that indicates mastery but does not contribute to A-level grades or UCAS points. Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are encouraged to recognize the practical endorsement as essential for A-level study, signaling a student's comprehensive understanding and skills required for degree-level study. Additionally, there are updates on Mathematics A-levels and research activities assessing the impact of these changes on schools and HEIs.
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Presentation Transcript
Science practicals and wider research Rosalind Mist Head of Education Science Policy Centre
What is happening From September 2017 the assessment of practical skills in science A-levels is changing in England. Practical skills will be assessed both written exams covering the theory and application of practical skills and students practical skills will be directly assessed by teachers. Students will be awarded a practical endorsement indicating they have demonstrated mastery in practical skills, but this will not contribute to their A-level grade or carry UCAS points.
What does this mean for HEIs? Passing the practical endorsement indicates a student has: A comprehensive understanding of science subjects Mastered essential skills The ability to succeed in degree-level study. The signals HEIs send can have a big influence over school behaviour. We encourage HEIs to specify that the endorsement for practical work is an essential part of A-level study. It is vital to communicate to schools how the practical endorsement fits into your admissions criteria.
Answers to questions before you ask them! Should a student be accepted onto a course if they fail the practical endorsement? Is it valid to ask for the practical science endorsement if a student is applying for a non-science course? How does the English qualification compare to those of other UK nations? What about AS-levels?
Mathematical and Quantitative skills New Maths A-Levels will come on stream in 2016 and be implemented by 2018 More Maths content in A levels, including in Sciences and Humanities Ask schools for Core Mathematics, the size of an AS-level but providing Maths skills needed by non-mathematicians Changes to GCSE Maths
Research and other activity Assessing impact of changes on schools HEI surveys School level research How best to assess experimental science and problem-solving ACME problem-solving Royal Society Conference
