New GCEs for 2008

GCE Science in Society (2400)

Introducing AQA's new course specification for Science in Society for AS and A Level. This brand new specification has been designed to:

broaden the curriculum for those whose interests lie mainly in the arts or humanities and give those studying science the opportunity to reflect on their specialist studies in a wider context
develop the knowledge and skills that learners need to grapple with issues related to the science and technology that they meet now and in their adult and working lives
provide insight into ideas about How Science Works to enable application of critical thinking skills in a coherent way when reading, writing and talking about science

This specification has been developed in partnership with a project of the Nuffield Curriculum Centre and the University of York Science Education Group that is providing course resources and additional support for teachers.

The following information and specification outline will enable both practising Teachers and Subject Heads to be better informed and supported in the teaching of this subject, particularly if attending one of AQA's Teacher Support meetings.

Assessment Objectives

The Assessment objectives are common to AS and A Level.

AO1 - Recognise, recall and show understanding of science explanations and How Science Works; draw on relevant knowledge to show understanding of issues in meaningful ways; select, organise and present relevant information.

AO2- Analyse and evaluate scientific information when presenting arguments and ideas; apply ideas about How Science Works to unfamiliar issues; assess the validity, reliability and credibility of reports of scientific research; bring together and apply knowledge from different areas of the subject.