Broadening options in science using OCR Nationals Having the right pathways for individuals

Nationals in Science are part of a suite of qualifications. Evidence can be transferred from one qualification to another. Qualification Business Design Health and Social Care ICT Media Public Services Science Sport Travel and Tourism

OCR Nationals Aimed at young people aged 14 – 19 - but is now seen Supports both Vocational & Academic routes - the support programme for triple award is moving it towards a National Reflects the learning styles and assessment needs of individual students – very important and so supports the 1973 Act Practically based to stimulate and interest – very important as science is a practical subject Science presently at level 2 – OCR listens to the needs of centres...

Qualifications

Unit titles Unit 1: Best practice in science Unit 2: Materials in science Unit 3: Forensic science Unit 4: Food Science Unit 5: Science of health and body care products Unit 6: Science of construction Unit 7: Science and the environment Unit 8: Science in sport Unit 9: Investigating energy sources Unit 10: Industrial science Unit 11: The science of the universe and humanity Unit 12: Career planning for science Unit 13: Work experience in science Both the certificate & award qualifications are drawn from the same bank of 13 units - So candidates can be moved up or down through the qualifications.

Guided learning hours Units60 glh per unit Qualification180 glh Award 360 glh certificate

How are the units and qualification graded? Unit grade Pass1 point Merit2 points Distinction3 points Qualification grade (aggregation of points) Qualification PassMeritDistinction National Award3 5 7 National Certificate

How are the qualifications assessed? Centre-assessed and externally moderated –OCR model assignments are available

Guided learning hours Units60 glh per unit Qualification180 glh Award 360 glh certificate How much time for assessment? Consider: –Candidate ability –Method of assessment Case study/scenario/project brief approach Individual assessment objective approach

Programme building Year 11AS - 3 unitA Level startNational certificate Year 10National certificate Year 9National award Year 8 Year 7 high ability low ability

Resources Resources lists are provided for every unit Information on resources in the Centre/Tutor’s Handbook Model assignments; examples of units Centre resources, e.g. –Computer facilities –Unit specific facilities (e.g. sports hall) Access to work/industry environments Access to visiting/guest speakers Hodder publications; Kingshurst multimedia

OCR Specifications Unit format -Learning outcomes -Assessment objectives -Knowledge, understanding and skills -Grading descriptors -Guidance on assessment and evidence requirements -Signposting to Key Skills -Mapping to National Occupational Standards -Resources

Assessing Centre-devised assignments OCR model assignments

ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVECompleted tick Ref/page number AO1 have you produced: Task1 - a periodic table labeled poster showing: atomic structure referring to atomic mass, atomic number, electronic configuration, periods and groups in the periodic table Task 2 - a model of ionic bonding of sodium chloride Task 3 - a ionic bonding of magnesium chloride Task 4 - models of covalent bonding Task 5 - a leaflet comparing elements, compounds, and mixtures AO2 have you produced: Task - a catalogue explaining in depth the properties, uses, structure of solid house materials AO3 have you produced: Task 1 - checklist for the production of copper wire Task 2 - checklist for the production of wallpaper Task 3 - product – copper wire laboratory notes and percentage yield calculation Task 4 - product – wallpaper laboratory notes risk assessment

Centre-devised assignments Centre assignments and assessment Centre writes assignment: 1 Check against AOs 2 Check against grading descriptors 3 Check resources needed 4 Involve as much practical/case study as needed 5 May be integrated with delivery Assessor checks that the assessment objectives have been met fully and awards a grade Assessor marks and gives feedback/ further guidance to candidate if necessary Candidate completes the assignment Centre arranges a visit with the OCR Visiting Moderator Work is internally moderated in the centre

By student By AO By unit By grade By deadline Tracking spreadsheet

Name KS3 grade Unit 1 Unit gradeTarget gradeTarget +/-Deadline date AO1AO2AO3AO4AO5AO6

External moderation – the moderation visit Who will come? –OCR Visiting Moderator (may be accompanied) How often will they come? –Twice per year (free) –Additional chargeable visits as required What should be available? –All completed candidate work for the units being submitted –Internal moderation records –Facilities What is the role of the Visiting Moderator? –To moderate centre assessment decisions –To provide advice and guidance