Science practicals and wider research Rosalind Mist Head

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 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

Any Questions?