Specification at a glance

This qualification is linear. Linear means that students will sit all their exams and submit all their non-exam assessment at the end of the course.

Subject content

Working scientifically: opportunities for skills development and independent thinking

At the end of each subject content section, there are details of opportunities for students to develop scientific skills within the context of that topic.

These include:
  • skills related to the methodologies and sampling techniques that students must gain through first-hand experience
  • skills related to research methods that can be gained through class-based and/or practical activities.

Assessments

Paper 1

What's assessed

  • The physical environment
  • Energy resources
  • Pollution
  • Research methods

Students will be expected to draw on knowledge and understanding of the entire course of study to show a deeper understanding of the interconnections between topics.

How it's assessed

  • Written exam: 3 hours
  • 120 marks
  • 50% of A-level

Questions

A combination of multiple choice, short answer and extended writing questions.

Paper 2

What's assessed

  • The living environment
  • Biological resources
  • Sustainability
  • Research methods

Students will be expected to draw on knowledge and understanding of the entire course of study to show a deeper understanding of the interconnections between topics.

How it's assessed

  • Written exam: 3 hours
  • 120 marks
  • 50% of A-level

Questions

A combination of multiple choice, short answer and extended writing questions.