AQA GCSE Science FAQs
Specification
Where can I find out more information on the new specifications?
What changes have been made to the AQA GCSE Sciences specifications' content?
What does the AQA Additional Applied Science specification offer?
Assessment
Resources
Do you publish resources for the new AQA GCSE Science specifications?
Where can I find out more information on the AQA GCSE Science resources?
How do our resources for AQA GCSE Science support specification B?
Where is the 'How Science Works' section in the student book?
Where can I find answers to the summary questions in the Student Book?
What do the AQA Student Books offer to stretch students working towards the top A-A* grades?
Evaluation
Digital Resources
Is there any overlap between the Assessment OxBox CD-ROMs and the Online Homework?
How many visual resources are there on the OxBox CD-ROMs and the Online Homework?
How do the Resources and Planning OxBox CD-ROM help with planning?
What is on the Exam Preparation and Assessment OxBox CD-ROM?
Are there paper-based end of topic tests on the Exam Preparation and Assessment OxBox CD-ROM?
Are there any virtual experiments on the Resources and Planning OxBox CD-ROM?
Can you create your own homework activities using Online Homework?
Can the Director of Learning monitor teachers to see if homework was being set and completed?
Contact
Specification
Which specifications have been revised?
AQA has revised the following specifications to match the new Ofqual criteria for GCSE science from 2011:
GCSE Science
GCSE Additional Science
GCSE Additional Applied Science
GCSE Biology
GCSE Chemistry
GCSE Physics
Where can I find out more information on the new specifications?
Visit AQA at www.aqa.org.uk for the latest information on the AQA GCSE Science specifications and to sign up to receive email updates.
Also, keep up-to-date with specification news by signing up to receive email-newsletters. Simply email shelly.phillips@oup.com your contact details to sign up.
What changes have been made to the AQA GCSE Sciences specifications' content?
The subject content has been updated but much of it will remain familiar, particularly the core science material
New content has been added where you’ve requested it
A new GCSE Science B is being introduced
GCSE Applied Science (Double Award) is being phased out
What does the AQA Additional Applied Science specification offer?
GCSE Additional Applied Science offers students:
the opportunity to learn by applying science in real-life contexts
a second GCSE science award as progression from GCSE Science A or GCSE Science B
the ability to take charge of their own learning through a high proportion of portfolio assessment
the opportunity to study the knowledge and understanding required by particular scientists and the type of work and investigations they undertake. It does this by setting the subject content in the contexts of:
healthcare and fitness
agricultural and food sciences
materials science
analytics science
Assessment
What is controlled assessment?
The new Controlled Assessment guidelines apply to all new specifications for all awarding bodies. In general, the guidelines fit the current AQA Centre Assessed Units (CAU/ISA), with limited changes needed. In terms of Controlled assessment:
task setting – we provide the task
task taking – you need to supervise the students when they are taking the task
task marking – we give you the marking guidelines to work from
Each examination may be done in any combination and number in any series (relevant to the subject) of each academic year.
Controlled Assessments can be undertaken at any point during the year. However, they can only be submitted for moderation in the May/June series.
Once a controlled Assessment has been moderated, the mark is held for the lifetime of the specification, until used for a subject award (the same also applies to units that have been examined).
What changes have been made to GCSE Sciences assessment?
The key changes are:
examination solely by objective tests is no longer allowed
all written papers will have closed questions, structured questions and questions needing longer answers
terminal assessment rule: only one re-sit allowed for each assessment prior to certification, written assessments available in January and June (with the exception of Science B which assesses in November, March and June)
on-screen assessment will be an option for all papers
Is there any support for ISAs under controlled conditions?
We are planning to include practice assignments, along with what advice we can about how to support candidates. The ‘Controlled Assessment’ (Unit 4) unit statements from each specification are also being highlighted on every lesson plan where the skills are being addressed.
Resources
Who are the authors of the AQA resources?
The AQA authors are:
Graham Bone – Head of Physics in Exeter – experienced teacher, author and member of the Institute of Physics Education Committee
Simon Broadly – Experienced Biology teacher and Science Works author
Philippa Gardom Hulme – Experienced chemistry teacher, author of Science Works and PGCE science tutor
David Goodfellow – Experienced chemistry teacher and author
Sue Hocking – Experienced biology teacher, chief examiner and author
Roy Llewellyn – Experienced physics teacher and author
Mark Matthews - Experienced Biology teacher and Science Works author
Jim Newall – Experienced Physics and maths author
Do you publish resources for the new AQA GCSE Science specifications?
Yes, we publish AQA GCSE Science. Our new course offers the simplest and clearest approach to the new AQA GCSE Science specifications. We listened to teachers to create a new GCSE science course that builds on the features you like about what you currently use, whilst incorporating all the features you feel are missing.
I’m choosing AQA – but why should I choose your course?
We’re confident AQA GCSE Science is the best course for the new 2011 specifications because we feel:
It’s the simplest and clearest approach of all resources available – containing all the support you need to teach the new specifications with ease and to make the transition as smooth as possible
It provides comprehensive exam preparation and assessment to help your students understand what is expected of them and help improve their grades
It’s specifically designed to motivate every student and draw out their interest in science
It offers differentiation, so all students can reach their true potential
Where can I find out more information on the AQA GCSE Science resources?
Visit www.oxfordsecondary.co.uk/science for more information on the AQA GCSE Science resources.
You can also request your local Educational Consultant to come and visit you at your school. They can give you a without obligation demonstration of AQA GCSE Science. Call 01536 452620 to make an appointment.
How can I keep up-to-date on the latest developments?
Sign up to receive Science email updates at www.oxfordsecondary.co.uk/science.
I am on a limited budget… how do I afford AQA GCSE Science?
As every school has different resourcing needs and budgets, we strongly recommend that you contact your local Educational Consultant who will be delighted to discuss the best way forward for you and your students. Visit www.oxfordsecondary.co.uk/repfinder to find details of your local Educational Consultant or call 01536 452620.
How do our resources for AQA GCSE Science support specification B?
The old specification B has now been merged with specification A, with a new specification B having been created that is more of an applied route. We support the new specification A only, not the new specification B. The new specification A is a likely choice for schools that used to use specification B.
Where is the 'How Science Works' section in the student book?
How Science Works for AQA has changed substantially
How Science Works is now mentioned only in the foreword to the specifications, and is essentially a general list of ideas that are covered throughout the course in both the main content and controlled assessment. As a result we have followed the advice of the board and integrated these ideas throughout the whole course, rather than simply bolting it on in boxes. Teacher feedback has told us that they often don’t like to have boxes in the student book flagging up practicals that they may not want to carry out. Instead we give you the choice of using the resources provided in the printed packs, or in adding in whatever you prefer using to the OxBox.
The previous How Science Works Unit (Unit 4 in all specs) is now called “Controlled Assessment” and will be assessed using the Controlled Assessment for each specification. We have flagged the Controlled Assessment references for every lesson on our revised lesson plans, these references are in the place of the current ‘How Science Works’ box on the top right hand area of the lesson plans.
Where can I find answers to the summary questions in the Student Book?
The answers are available in the printed Resources and Planning pack, and on the matching OxBox CD-ROMs.
How comprehensive are the graded model answers? Is there be more focus around the C/D borderline for example are there equal amounts between Foundation and Higher?
For each half unit in AQA (so 6 per student book) we provide an extended answer question with answers at three response levels and corresponding examiner comments. These give equal weight to understanding the G-E, C-D and B-A* boundaries, so that students of any level can aim for the next grade band up.
In addition the Exam Preparation and Assessment OxBox CD-ROMs include 6 Upgrade presentations to work through with the class for every half unit (so 36 per title). These include similar information, but also with references to the specification.
There are also Upgrade interactive activities that allow students to understand the different levels of response, and get auto marked on the “good” and “bad” way to put answers together while also gaining a greater understanding of how to answer exam questions to get the best grade possible.
On top of this there are practice printed exam-style tests (1 Foundation and 1 Higher) per half unit (so 12 per title), with full mark schemes. All of this is in addition to the usual banks of auto-marked questions and the self-assessment checklist that helps students make the transition from KS3 to GCSE and then between GCSE units.
What do the AQA Student Books offer to stretch students working towards the top A-A* grades?
We have flagged questions for all ability levels linked to grades that allow students and teachers to understand the level they are working at on every spread in the book.
In short we are not just helping the best and the brightest understand whether they are an A* or not, but imbedding throughout the course the ability to understand what could make you achieve a better grade no matter what grade you are aiming for (so everything from the lowest to the highest).
Alongside the summary questions we offer the following, all of which enables students to understand how to approach questions of any level properly.
Student Book Exam-style Questions: in the summary pages of every part of the book there are questions provided at three ability levels, including the B-A* band.
Student Book ‘Upgrade’ pages: These include examiner comments so that students at every level can understand how to improve and get the grade they are aiming for by knowing what answers look like at all levels for comparison against the best answers.
Assessment OxBox Print Tests: Printable exam-style tests for students will always include questions at all levels and a mark scheme for teachers to use with them. These are the same style questions they will have to tackle in exams, so the best form of practice for the new specifications.
Assessment OxBox ‘Upgrade’ PowerPoint presentations: We provide step by step explanations of exam questions of all kinds and levels, with sample student responses and examiner comments. This is a key area of concern from schools, and they want students not to lose grades on simple questions as much as they want them to get the hardest questions right. Understanding the questions is key.
Evaluation
How do I order an Evaluation Pack?
There are three quick ways to order an Evaluation Pack:
1. Email shelly.phillips@oup.com with your contact details
2. Call customer services on +44 (0) 1536 452620
3. Fax your request to +44 (0) 1865 313472
How long do I have to evaluate the course?
The AQA GCSE Science Evaluation Pack is available on 90 days’ free evaluation so you will have plenty of time to look at the material and try it out in the classroom. After this time you can either keep it or return it to us free of charge.
Can I get an Evaluation Pack for each of the three separate sciences?
There is a single evaluation pack for each course. These include Student Books for GCSE Science, GCSE Additional Science and either a Student Book for Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
Digital Resources
Is there any overlap between the Assessment OxBox CD-ROMs and the Online Homework?
No, there is no overlap in content – the tasks on the OxBox CD-ROMs are different from those on the Online Homework.
How many visual resources are there on the OxBox CD-ROMs and the Online Homework?
The OxBox CD-ROMs and Online Homework site contain approximately 50 videos and animations, approximately 100 interactive activities, and approximately 100 content PowerPoint Presentations.
What is on the Resources and Planning OxBox CD-ROM?
The OxBox contains the following resources to use alongside the textbooks:
Approximately one animation or video for every four lessons
Explanations of difficult concepts using flash animations
Videos relevant to spreads in the Student Books, i.e. topical news clips from suppliers such as the BBC and the National Geographic
One or two interactives for every double-page spread which can be completed on screen by students and work with your VLE
Activities including Drag and Drop, Fill in the Gap, Linking Lines, Ordering Objectives, Multiple Choice and True or False.
Worksheets with a variety of activities
PowerPoint presentations to extend and consolidate content of Student Book and all the images in the book
How does the Resources and Planning OxBox CD-ROM help with planning?
The OxBox contains a planning tool that allows you to fully customize all the OxBox resources. Documents are available in PDF and customizable in Word allowing you to start from scratch with a blank template or adapt existing lesson plans to suit their style. The OxBox also allows you to import your own resources and ‘Week ‘0’ includes a PDF of all the lesson plans that can be printed off.
What is on the Exam Preparation and Assessment OxBox CD-ROM?
The Exam Preparation and Assessment OxBox CD-ROM contain 12-15 summative questions per module which are auto-marked and can be saved to your intranet or used with a VLE. The diagnostic check list allows for easy progress tracking and the end of module print test is a mock exam prepared by an examiner which can be given to students under controlled conditions with teacher guidance on marking. The OxBox also contains model answers using PowerPoint to aid understanding, typical exam questions with answers which reinforce what is being asked for by the Examiner, in the question, with reference to the specifications. There is also help with extended response questions supported by model answers and details on what students need to do to improve grades. The OxBox also offers written guidance on controlled assessment.
Are there practical activities in every lesson supported by the Resources and Planning Pack and the Resources and Planning OxBox CD-ROMs?
The Resources and Planning Packs contain at least one activity per lesson, and every lesson matches a spread in the Student Book. Not all of these are practical in the sense of requiring science equipment; some instead are paper-based or research-based. Each activity is designed to support the specification in the best way possible, while also engaging students.
Are there paper-based end of topic tests on the Exam Preparation and Assessment OxBox CD-ROM?
Yes, this feature is included. In addition there is lots of step by step guidance on exam questions from examiners that can be used with the class.
Are there paper-based worksheets on the Resources and Preparation OxBox CD-ROM that could be used for homework?
Yes, this feature is included. In addition there is lots of step by step guidance on exam questions from examiners that can be used with the class.
Are there 'easy print' and ‘print all’ options available on the OxBox CD-ROMs for printing worksheets and similar resources?
Yes, there is an easy print option on each of the OxBox CD-ROMs. For each module the pages are grouped as: Lesson Plans, Activity Sheets, Teacher and Technician Sheets and Homework sheets.
Are there any cover lessons on the OxBox?
Yes, cover lessons are included on the OxBox as well as in the printed Resources and Planning Pack.
Where is the student feedback for the summative and homework tests held on the Assessment and Exam Preparation OxBox CD-ROMs?
This is held on the system and saved so students can find out their overall mark as well as review errors on individual questions within each test.
Are there any virtual experiments on the Resources and Planning OxBox CD-ROM?
The OxBox contains videos and animations of things like demonstrations (e.g. of reactions in chemistry and similar) that will help teachers who don’t have time to do them themselves, or who would like to recap quickly. In some cases the animations also include interactivity, so that variables can be changed (e.g. changing the amplitude and wavelength of waves to see the effect, or investigating generators).
What does the Online Homework resource contain?
It consists of one homework assignment per week, per GCSE course, and includes interactive questions. You can assign a homework assignment with an end date and the student submits it. The items are then automatically marked and the results appear in a report for the teacher, and a simple report for the student. The student can include a comment on the homework for the teacher to read.
Are all the questions on the Online Homework multiple choice or do some questions ask students for extended answers?
Students will not be asked for extended answers as it is still very difficult to get these automatically marked in a reliable way, but the questions are more involved than simple multiple choice. There are various question types
Can you create your own homework activities using Online Homework?
It is not possible to create your own homework using this system but you can review the range of pre-written homework activities and then assign them to classes of students or individual students or groups within the class.
If homework tasks are set using the Online Homework, does the student receive an email to say they have homework waiting? Does the teacher receive an email when the student finishes a homework task?
The Online Homework works like any other homework, with the teacher instructing the class to check the website for assigned work, rather than asking them to complete a worksheet, write up a practical, etc. However, an email notification is something we are considering building into later versions.
Is the Online Homework stored on a separate server?
Yes, the Online Homework is hosted on an Oxford University Press server, with the site and the student results being stored remotely from the school.
Can the Director of Learning monitor teachers to see if homework was being set and completed?
The Director of Learning can look in detail at all groups and obtain detailed data on what has been set, what has been completed, and the results.
Contact
Who can I contact for more information?
Oxford University Press
T: +44 (0) 1536 452620
F: +44 (0) 1865 313472
E: schools.orders@oup.com
W: www.OxfordSecondary.co.uk
P: Oxford University Press
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