AQA-7401-7402-PHBK

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Practical work brings science to life, helping students make sense of the universe around them. That’s why we’ve put practical work at the heart of our Biology, Chemistry and Physics A-levels. Pra... ctical science allows scientific theory to transform into deep knowledge and understanding – scientific thinking. Through investigation, students uncover the important links between their personal observations and scientific ideas. The purpose of this Practical handbook This handbook has been developed to support you in advancing your students to fluency in science. Over the years, there have been many rules developed for practical work in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Some have been prescriptive, some have been intended as guidance. Although we have always attempted to be consistent within subjects, differences have emerged over time. Worse, students taking Biology may also be taking Physics and find themselves confronted with contradictory rules and guidance. This practical handbook is an attempt to harmonise the rules and guidance for Biology, Chemistry and Physics. There are occasions where these will necessarily be different, but we will try to explain why on the occasions where that happens. The new A-level specifications accredited for first teaching in September 2015 bring with them a complete change in the way practical work is assessed. No longer will teachers have to force their students to jump through hoops set up by exam boards or worry about how much help they are giving students and whether it’s allowed or not. We have worked with teachers, technicians and examiners to produce this handbook. This is an evolving document, but one that we hope you will be able to use with your students, whether they’re doing A-level Biology, Chemistry or Physics, or a combination of subjects, to improve their practical skills: in the classroom, in the laboratory, in exams, for the endorsement and on to university or the workplace. The latest version will always be on our website. Unless specified, all guidance is common to Biology, Chemistry and Physics at both AS and A-level and subject-specific examples are for illustration only. However, the extent to which a particular aspect is assessed will differ. Teachers should refer to the specifications and specimen materials on our website for more information. ..............................................................CONTINUED...................................................... [Show More]

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