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Edexcel 360 Science
Links below support the teaching of ‘How Science Works’ aspects of Edexcel’s specifications for GCSE Science, GCSE Additional Science, and GCSE Physics.
Students are required to learn about physics concepts, how the world of science works, and how it impacts on society & everyday lives. Edexcel provides schemes of work to enable these courses to be taught through a context-led approach, or alternatively through a concept-led approach.
Edexcel 360 Science offers a flexible approach to assessment for GCSE Additional Science and GCSE Physics. Schools can assess anywhere between 40% and 70% of a student’s final mark.
Externally-assessed units may examine students’ ability to:
· identify questions that science can, and cannot address, and how scientists look for the answers
· evaluate scientific claims by judging the reliability and validity of the evidence appropriately
· consider scientific findings in a wider context – recognizing their tentative nature
· make informed judgements about science and technology, including any ethical issues that may arise
The Teachers’ resource centre and physics lessons in the SEP resource pack Contemporary Science Issues may help with these aspects.
Internally-assessed units primarily address practical and enquiry skills. These are assessed with two kinds of assessment activity:
· non-moderated teacher assessment of practical skills. Students carry out tasks which require them to follow instructions, working accurately and safely, making observations and taking readings using a range of apparatus and measuring instruments. They are expected to tabulate the data appropriately.
· assessment activities for Physics provided by Edexcel. Students are required to interpret and present results and consider the wider scientific implications.
Centres also have the option of devising their own internally-assessed tasks.
In practical tasks, students are expected to identify trends and patterns in data, draw & justify conclusions, and judge the reliability & validity of the measurements. They are also expected to evaluate the methods used and suggest improvements.
The development of scientific ideas
Reliability and validity
- Radiation from black and shiny surfaces
- Simple electromagnet
- Investigating simple steel springs
- Measuring the radius of a marble
- Measuring paper
Related Guidance
Updated 5 Sep 2008
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