ASE 2023 - Developing A-level assessment skills through practical

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by Himbo

ASE 2023 outlines how A-level science practical skills are assessed through both indirect and direct routes, including terminal exams and non-examined assessment. It details required practicals and the apparatus and techniques linked to Common Practical Assessment Criteria (CPAC). The material explains a competency-based endorsement approach, the five practical competencies, and how CPAC, apparatus and techniques (AT), and practical skills (PS) map to method and understanding questions across Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, including mark-distribution insights and preparation guidance.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPPTX

Pages39

Reading Time1 h 38 min

AccessFree to download

Agenda

Apparatus and techniques

Practical exam questions

Assessment of practical skills

Indirect assessment via terminal exams

Direct assessment via NEA

Common Practical Assessment Criteria (CPAC)

Endorsement and competencies

Monitoring visit

Preparation and expectations

Required practicals

12 required practical activities

Using CPAC to develop assessment skills

Practical skills: Methods

Practical skills: Understanding the science

Practical skills: Maths

ASE 2023: Developing A-level assessment skills through practical Natalie Vlachakis Spring 2023 Agenda Apparatus and techniques Practical exam questions Method Understanding the science Maths Implications Copyright © 2023 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. 2 How are practical skills in science qualifications assessed? Indirectly (100% terminal exam) Required practicals and a list of apparatus and techniques, ATs. Directly Common Practical Assessment Criteria (CPAC) and the ability to use ATs The direct assessment is the non-examined assessment (NEA), part of our A-level Science qualifications only. 3 Copyright © 2023 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. How are practical skills in science qualifications assessed? Copyright © 2023 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. 4 Students’ practical skills in at least 12 practicals 12 required practical activities Teacher devised practical experiences Five competencies: 1. Follows written instructions 2. Applies investigative approaches and methods when using instruments and equipment 3. Safely uses a range of practical equipment and materials 4. Makes and records observations 5. Researches, references and reports Endorsement of practical skills Teacher assesses student's abilities in practical work through a set of competencies. Holistic judgement at the end of a two-year course. The monitoring visit – what to expect 5 Copyright © 2023 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. How often? What do I need to prepare? What will happen on the day? What happens next? All the information you need can be found here The Executive summary can be found here Apparatus and techniques In addition to the five Common Practical Assessment Criteria (CPAC) there area number of apparatus and techniques which must also be addressed. 6 Copyright © 2023 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. 12 required practicals 7 Copyright © 2023 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. A-level practical skills assessment 12 required practicals per subject 12 apparatus and techniques per subject 8 of 30 Copyright © 2023 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. 8 Using CPAC to develop assessment skills Copyright © 2023 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. 9 CPAC are assessed for endorsement aren't assessed in exams but... are about the ATs reflect the PS. Develop a holistic approach to teaching laboratory and assessment skills over the two years. Practical skills: Methods Copyright © 2023 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. 10 Questions about methods, apparatus or techniques Booklet page 10 Also refer to CPAC, AT and PS Method: Biology P1 (AO3) Copyright © 2023 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. 11 5.19% didn't attempt Which ATs? Which PS? Which CPAC? What could you do in practical lessons to prepare students for this type of question? CPAC, AT and PS Copyright © 2023 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. AT a Use appropriate apparatus to record a range of quantitative measurements (to include mass, time, volume, temperature, length and pH). AT c Use laboratory glassware apparatus for a variety of experimental techniques to include serial dilutions. PS 1.1 Solve problems set in practical contexts. PS 4.1 Know and understand how to use a wide range of experimental and practical instruments, equipment and techniques appropriate to the knowledge and understanding included in the specification. CPAC 2c. Identifies and controls significant quantitative variables where applicable, and plans approaches to take account of variables that cannot readily be controlled. 2c Describe an investigation that you could do to... 12 Method: Chemistry P1 (AO3) and Physics P3 (AO3) Copyright © 2023 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. 37% 0 marks, 38% 1mark Question showed full range of marks 13 Practical skills: Understanding the science Booklet page 15 Also refer to CPAC, AT and PS 14 Copyright © 2023 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. Understanding: Chemistry

FAQs

How are practical skills in science qualifications assessed in A-level?

They are assessed indirectly through a 100% terminal exam and directly through a non-examined assessment (NEA). The direct assessment involves endorsement using CPAC and the ability to use apparatus and techniques.

What is the role of CPAC, AT, and PS in developing assessment skills?

CPAC endorsement reflects practical skills and focuses on apparatus and techniques rather than being assessed in exams directly. The content emphasizes mapping teaching approaches to CPAC, AT, and PS across methods and understanding questions.

What does the competency-based endorsement cover?

Teacher assessment uses five competencies covering written instructions, investigative approaches with instruments, safe use of equipment and materials, making and recording observations, and researching, referencing, and reporting. Holistic judgement is applied at the end of a two-year course.

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by Himbo