SCORE Seminar GCSE Science Examinations Anthony Tomei GCSE

SCORE Seminar GCSE Science Examinations Anthony Tomei

GCSE Science 2008 Examinations Dr Colin Osborne

Overview • • • Context Aims Methodology Findings Possible actions/further work

Context • • New GCSE’s in 2006 with a new rationale Expressions of concern over ‘standards’ STEM programme Standards over time

Aims • • • Not repeating other work Accuracy of the science Mathematics How Science Works Question/response types Knowledge required

Methodology • • Expert teachers and scientists Analysis grid devised Homework Moderation to reach a common understanding • Plenary discussion

Findings(1) • Science in questions was accurate but mark schemes could have problems • Criteria at GCSE do not specify mathematics required although some awarding bodies list this in specifications • Nevertheless most of the mathematics was not tested

Findings(2) • Wide variation in amount of testing of ‘How Science Works’ • More in Core than Additional Science papers • Little opportunity for extended writing • A few examples where knowledge of science or ‘How Science Works’ was NOT required.

Possible Actions /Further work • Recommendations in the report Science or How Science Works required for all questions More and higher level mathematics More extended writing Pre-testing of multiple choice questions • Repeat the exercise • Extend it to A-level • Carry out related projects eg in maths

SCORE Seminar GCSE Science Examinations

SCORE Seminar GCSE Science Examinations Rosalind Mist rosalind. mist@score-education. org