1. A-level Biology: Practical endorsement
Catherine Witter
Autumn 2015
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2. Structure of the session
During the session there will be:
a brief overview of the Common Practical Assessment Criteria (CPAC) strands
and suggestions about how to prepare suitable assessment resources
examples of how to track student progress against the CPAC strands (whole
cohort/class teacher/student level)
great resources that other schools have created will be shared
the opportunity to seek expert advice both from ourselves and each other about
the 12 core practical activities, that cover the apparatus and techniques
an insight into what to expect during a monitoring visit
Slide 2
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3. Common Practical Assessment Criteria (CPAC)
Follows written procedures
Applies investigative approaches and methods when using instruments and equipment
Safely uses a range of practical equipment and materials
Makes and records observations
Researches, references and reports
Slide 3
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4. Assessment of the CPAC in practice – some ideas
CPAC worksheets and student exemplars
Slide 4
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5. The safety element in CPAC 3
Slide 5
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6. Planning experiments for assessment
Slide 6
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7. How are you assessing your students’ practical skills?
Slide 7
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8. Example of a student’s lab book
Slide 8
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9. Student or teacher in-class tracking exemplar - 1
Slide 9
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10. Student tracker exemplar - 2
Slide 10
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11. Many teachers are adapting the AQA tracker
Slide 11
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12. Some use of SIMS
Slide 12
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13. Ask questions, make comments or share your concerns
Slide 13
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14. Time for a 5 minute break
Slide 14
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15. A-level Biology – 12 core practical activities
In addition to the five Common Practical Assessment Criteria (CPAC) there are a number of Apparatus and Techniques which must also be addressed.
Slide 15
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16. The 12 core practicals
Can be covered over the two years and are flexible in that they can be adapted by teachers.
These are class practical lessons and examination conditions are not required – remember some of the techniques will be unfamiliar at first and so teachers should feel happy to provide a lot of guidance if necessary.
Slide 16
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17. Why should teachers do more than 12 practicals?
There is a minimum requirement of 12 core practical activities to be offered to students, however:
some techniques need more practise
you can provide increased opportunities for students to develop a mastery against the five CPAC areas
Some students may be absent when you deliver the practical
practical work works to underpin teaching and learning, helping students to fully grasp the harder theoretical concepts
practical work should be embraced fully and students should not be limited to practical skill development – it is simply too important
Slide 17
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18. Sharing our ideas – core practical activities
Slide 18
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19. Sharing networks If you want to get involved, email your details to:
Slide 19
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20. The monitoring visit
Slide 20
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21. Feedback Please use the short online questionnaire
to give us your feedback on today’s training.
Thank you.
Slide 21
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22. Thank you We are an independent education charity
and the largest provider of academic qualifications for all abilities taught in schools and colleges.
Our aim is to enable students to realise their potential
and provide teachers with the support and resources they need
so that they can focus on inspiring learning.
aqa.org.uk
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