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GCSE controlled assessment

Last post 01/02/12 at 07:42 by Cscannell, 16 replies
Post started by ScienceGuy on 13/01/12 at 08:09

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  • ScienceGuy avatar
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    Posted by: ScienceGuy 13/01/2012 at 08:09
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    My centre is currently doing AQA and we are struggling with the controlled assessment requirements (organisation and marking using completely useless criteria). Whilst not completely clear, it seems that, with the move to terminal assessment and that the ISAs only have a one year life span, in a couple of years time we will have to do the controlled assessment for core and additional science in Yr 11 which would not be fun for any teacher or pupil involved with the course.

    At the moment I am trying to gauge colleagues views on the controlled assessment requirements of other exam boards to see if they are any better both educational and organisationally. What are they like and are you happy with them?
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    Posted by: 2Tony2 13/01/2012 at 14:55
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    We have just had our first go at some 21C Science controlled assessment. Educationally the assessment tasks and criteria seem reasonably valid. However it is really hard for students and a monster to organise. We are also very insecure about the interpretation of standards and exactly how much students have to be able to produce for decent grades.
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    Posted by: AQA_GCSE_Sciences 13/01/2012 at 15:20
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    Dear ScienceGuy,

     We have had a very positive response from teachers to the new controlled assessments which have been designed to match the new criteria from the regulator, Ofqual. If you are having difficulties with the controlled assessment your local controlled assessment science adviser can assist. Please also note that all centres must attend a standardisation meeting at which you will receive specialist guidance from our experts. Furthermore, we do provide comprehensive support and guidance for the GCSE Sciences controlled assessments and you can view our resources and information on the AQA Science Lab (http://www.sciencelab.org.uk/support/controlled-assessment.php ). You can also contact your AQA Science Adviser or CA Adviser.  If you don’t have the contact details for your Adviser please e-mail science-gcse@aqa.org.uk with your centre number and we will e-mail the information to you. In addition please note that controlled assessments have particular moderation dates but the time that students actually do them is flexible. It is worth remembering that in the summer of 2014 when all of the Science GCSEs will be terminally assessed you will still be allowed to enter students early – for example, at the end of Year 10 if you so wish.  Kindest Regards AQA Science  

     
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    Posted by: ilovescience! 14/01/2012 at 13:14
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     What is getting me down is the purchasing of specific resources to do these isas.  Some things are only available from one source or are prohibitavely expensive when bought in large number (every pupil needs the full resources, whereas for old coursework could work in pairs).  Also, because the boards (not specifically AQA) won't let general suppliers know what resources will be needed, they run out of stock!  Nightmare!!!

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    Posted by: ppickwell 14/01/2012 at 20:56
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    Can you tell me how you investigated the bacteria growth-we were thinking of growing e-coli on agar medium and adding anti-batcerial to the agar. 

    What did you change the concentration of?

    Did you stick to the chemicals given in the info or use something simpler??

     
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    Posted by: noz272002 15/01/2012 at 15:16
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    I have just sat down to plan this investigation and don't know how to go about ithelp!!
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    Posted by: noz272002 15/01/2012 at 15:24
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    Did your students do the unit one exam?what did they think of it? We found the biology and chemistry alright however the physics was a little sticky!! With regard to the CA we are going to use dettol and micrococcus luteus
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    Posted by: tjholland1 16/01/2012 at 19:20
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    I would love to get in touch with people who have praised the new ISA set up considering the amount of marking/ printing and paperwork needed to be completed has doubled.
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    Posted by: Draig1964 17/01/2012 at 15:09
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    I cannot see the new arrangements being sustainable in the long term.  New tasks annually?  How long before they run out of ideas.

    Also, where does the marking time come from?  Is this in line with the work life balance agreement and in terms of NAS members, their work to rule.
  • ppickwell avatar
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    Posted by: ppickwell 17/01/2012 at 20:25
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    I can't see it lasting-especially when we need to get new equipment each year-is costly enough for this year.

    I was thinking of adding different salt concentrations to the agar as a simple thing to change that should stop growth-assuming the agar can still set with that much salt.

    I will have a play first and hope it works!

     
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