GCSE Physics 8463/1H - PAPER 1 - HIGHER TIER Mark scheme - June 2018 Version 1.1

Sep 5, 2026

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GCSE Physics 8463/1H Higher Tier Paper 1 mark scheme (June 2018, version 1.1) detailing how examiners allocate marks consistently. It describes the standardisation process, including handling amendments and unusual answers, and sets out what each question’s mark scheme sections contain: mark allocation, total marks, expected answers, examiner judgement support, and linked Assessment Objectives. It further explains conventions such as emboldening/underlining, acceptable alternative wording, marking rules for lists, chemical symbols, calculations, reference words, error penalties, phonetic spelling, brackets, and the meanings of allow, ignore, and do not accept.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages21

Reading Time53 min

AccessFree to download

Information to Examiners

1. General

2. Emboldening and underlining

3. Marking points

4. Level of response marking instructions

GCSE Physics 8463/1H – PAPER 1 – HIGHER TIER Mark scheme 8463 June 2018 Version/Stage: 1.1 Final Mark schemes are prepared by the Lead Assessment Writer and considered, together with the relevant questions, by a panel of subject teachers. This mark scheme includes any amendments made at the standardisation events which all associates participate in and is the scheme which was used by them in this examination. The standardisation process ensures that the mark scheme covers the students’responses to questions and that every associate understands and applies it in the same correct way. As preparation for standardisation each associate analyses a number of students’ scripts. Alternative answers not already covered by the mark scheme are discussed and legislated for. If, after the standardisation process, associates encounter unusual answers which have not been raised they are required to refer these to the Lead Assessment Writer. It must be stressed that a mark scheme is a working document, in many cases further developed and expanded on the basis of students’ reactions to a particular paper. Assumptions about future mark schemes on the basis of one year’s document should be avoided; whilst the guiding principles of assessment remain constant, details will change, depending on the content of a particular examination paper. Further copies of this mark [scheme are available from aqa.org.uk](scheme are available from aqa.org.uk) Information to Examiners 1. General The mark scheme for each question shows: • the marks available for each part of the question • the total marks available for the question • the typical answer or answers which are expected • extra information to help the Examiner make his or her judgement • the Assessment Objectives and specification content that each question is intended to cover. The extra information is aligned to the appropriate answer in the left-hand part of the mark scheme and should only be applied to that item in the mark scheme. At the beginning of a part of a question a reminder may be given, for example: where consequential marking needs to be considered in a calculation; or the answer may be on the diagram or at a different place on the script. In general the right-hand side of the mark scheme is there to provide those extra details which confuse the main part of the mark scheme yet may be helpful in ensuring that marking is straightforward and consistent. 2. Emboldening and underlining 2.1 In a list of acceptable answers where more than one mark is available ‘any two from’ is used, with the number of marks emboldened. Each of the following bullet points is a potential mark. 2.2 A bold and is used to indicate that both parts of the answer are required to award the mark. 2.3 Alternative answers acceptable for a mark are indicated by the use of or. Different terms in the mark scheme are shown by a / ; eg allow smooth / free movement. 2.4 Any wording that is underlined is essential for the marking point to be awarded. 3. Marking points 3.1 Marking of lists This applies to questions requiring a set number of responses, but for which students have provided extra responses. The general principle to be followed in such a situation is that ‘right + wrong = wrong’. Each error / contradiction negates each correct response. So, if the number of error / contradictions equals or exceeds the number of marks available for the question, no marks can be awarded. However, responses considered to be neutral (indicated as * in example 1) are not penalised. Example 1: What is the pH of an acidic solution? [1 mark] Student Response Marks awarded 1 green, 5 0 2 red*, 5 1 3 red*, 8 0 Example 2: Name two planets in the solar system. [2 marks] Student Response Marks awarded 1 Neptune, Mars, Moon 1 2 Neptune, Sun, Mars, 0 Moon 3.2 Use of chemical symbols / formulae If a student writes a chemical symbol / formula instead of a required

FAQs

What does the mark scheme include for each question?

For each question, it shows the marks for each part, total marks, typical expected answers, extra information to guide judgement, and the Assessment Objectives and specification content the question targets.

How are alternative answers and unusual student responses handled?

Alternative answers not covered by the mark scheme are discussed during standardisation and legislated for. If associates encounter unusual answers after standardisation, they must refer them to the Lead Assessment Writer.

What do 'allow', 'ignore', and 'do not accept' mean in the mark scheme?

'Allow' indicates creditworthy alternative answers, 'ignore' is used when information is irrelevant or insufficient for the marking point, and 'do not accept' marks a wrong answer that still prevents awarding even if other correct information is present.

Sep 5, 2026

Upload by Miles