New GCEs for 2008
GCE Physics A (2450)
For centres following route T, the ISA – The GCE Science ISA CDROM is now available and has been despatched to Exams Officers. The GCE Science ISA CDROM contains materials for Biology/Human Biology/Chemistry and Physics. The ISA written tests and the marking guidelines are password protected and a letter with details of the password is being sent to centres at the end of October.
Teacher Standardising meetings – Invitations to attend ISA standardising meetings were sent to Heads of Department in October. The full list of Physics standardising meetings are available in our Event Booking Service, listed under the meeting ref code 2450%. Bookings are only accepted via this link.
For centres following route X, the EMPA – EMPA materials will be despatched to centres by 1 February 2009. The despatch will be based on estimated entries.
Unit 3 Investigative and Practical Skills Route X
(Examinations Update 36)
Classification Codes
Every specification is assigned a national classification code indicating the subject area to which it belongs. The classification code for this specification is 1210.
Centres should be aware that candidates who enter for more than one GCE AS/A level qualification with the same classification code will have only one grade (the highest) counted for the purpose of the School and College Performance Tables.
Centres may wish to advise candidates that, if they take two specifications with the same classification code, universities and employers are very likely to take the view that they have achieved only one of the two GCE AS/A levels. The same view may be taken if candidates take two GCE AS/A level specifications that have different classification codes but have significant overlap of content. Candidates who have any doubts about their subject combinations should check with the university to which they wish to progress or company they wish to join, before embarking on their programmes.
Assessment Objectives
AO1 - Recognise, recall and show understanding of scientific knowledge select, organise and communicate relevant information in a variety of forms
AO2 - Analyse and evaluate scientific knowledge and process; apply scientific knowledge and processes to unfamiliar situations including those related to issues; assess the validity, reliability and credibility of scientific information
AO3 - Demonstrate and describe ethical, safe and skilful practical techniques and processes, selecting appropriate qualitative and quantitative methods; know how to make, record and communicate reliable and valid observations and measurements with appropriate precision and accuracy; analyse, interpret, explain and evaluate the methodology, results and impact of their own and others' experimental and investigative activities in a variety of ways.