Controlled Assessment: Guidance
Biology Chemistry Physics Science: Double Award Science: Single Award

(REVISED SPECIFICATION) GCSE SCIENCES

controlled assessment

Issued September 2011

SECTION A
This guidance gives an outline of the controlled assessment process. It also details the procedures and controls which must be adhered to when carrying out and marking any task. You should read this booklet carefully before starting the controlled assessment process.

1. How many tasks does CCEA provide?
In GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics, CCEA sets two controlled assessment tasks for each cohort of students. Normally, one of the tasks will relate to unit 1 of the specification and the other will relate to unit 2. We renew these each year. Students may attempt one or both of the tasks however only the highest scoring task should be submitted. In GCSE Single Award Science, CCEA sets three controlled assessment tasks for each cohort of students. Normally, one of the tasks will relate to unit 1 of the specification, one will relate to unit 2 and one will relate to unit 3. We renew these each year. Students may attempt one, two or all of the tasks however only the highest scoring task should be submitted. In GCSE Double Award Science, CCEA sets six controlled assessment tasks for each cohort of students. We renew these each year. Centres may allow students to attempt as many of these tasks as they wish however only the two highest scoring tasks should be submitted. The two submitted tasks must come from two separate subject areas eg. biology and chemistry or physics and chemistry etc. Although teachers can give feedback on the results of assessments to their students, they should inform the students that their marks may change as a result of moderation.

2. When can the tasks be taken?
The assessment of candidates’ performance in the controlled assessment tasks may take place at any time during the course. At the centre’s discretion, it may occur as part of normal class routine or in a set time block. It is not necessary to assess all students at the same time, even if they are carrying out the same controlled assessment task.

3. Structure of the tasks, skills assessed and preparation
Structure Each controlled assessment task has three parts: – – – Part A – Planning and Risk Assessment Part B – Data Collection Part C – Processing, Analysis and Evaluation.

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Skills Assessed The controlled assessment tasks draw on candidates’ ability to: – develop hypotheses and plan practical ways to test them, including risk assessment; – collect data while managing any associated risks; – process, analyse and interpret primary and secondary data; – draw evidence-based conclusions; – review and evaluate methods of data collection and the quality of the resulting data; and – review hypotheses in light of outcomes. Preparation for the task Before attempting any of the controlled assessment tasks, it is anticipated that candidates will have received sufficient preparation in terms of developing the above skills through normal classroom teaching and laboratory work. It is also expected that candidates will have a sound understanding of general practical techniques including the safe use of practical equipment and apparatus.

4. Accessing and Storing Controlled Assessment Tasks
The School Examinations Officer will receive the following password-protected documents on a CD in September: – – – – Guidance Notes for Teachers for each Controlled Assessment Task (These include the possible independent variables and methods and should be read carefully by the teacher in advance) Candidate Response Booklet A Candidate Response Booklet B Mark Scheme for Candidate Response Booklet B

The CD will be held securely by the Examinations Officer at all times. It will not be released to any other member of staff however the Head of Department may request hard (paper) copies of the above documents from the Examinations Officer on the