4.2 Assessment Objectives (AOs)

The Assessment Objectives are common to AS and A Level. The assessment units will assess the following assessment objectives in the context of the content and skills set out in Section 3 (Subject Content).

AO1: Knowledge and understanding of science and of How Science Works

Candidates should be able to:

• (a) recognise, recall and show understanding of scientific knowledge
• (b) select, organise and communicate relevant information in a variety of forms.

AO2: Application of knowledge and understanding of science and of How Science Works

Candidates should be able to:

• (a) analyse and evaluate scientific knowledge and processes
• (b) apply scientific knowledge and processes to unfamiliar situations, including those related to issues
• (c) assess the validity, reliability and credibility of scientific information.

AO3: How Science Works . Chemistry

Candidates should be able to:

• (a) demonstrate and describe ethical, safe and skilful practical techniques and processes, selecting appropriate qualitative and quantitative methods
• (b) make, record and communicate reliable and valid observations and measurements with appropriate precision and accuracy
• (c) analyse, interpret, explain and evaluate the methodology, results and impact of their own and others' experimental and investigative activities in a variety of ways.

Quality of Written Communication (QWC)

In GCE specifications which require candidates to produce written material in English, candidates must:

• ensure that text is legible and that spelling, punctuation and grammar are accurate so that meaning is clear
• select and use a form and style of writing appropriate to purpose and to complex subject matter
• organise information clearly and coherently, using specialist vocabulary where appropriate.

In this specification, QWC will be assessed in all externally assessed units.

Weighting of Assessment Objectives for AS

The table below shows the approximate weighting of each of the Assessment Objectives in the AS units.

• AO1 7 9 1 17
• AO2 8 11 1 20
• AO3 2 3 8 13

Overall weighting of units (%) 17 23 10 50

Assessment Objectives Unit Weightings (%) Overall Weighting of AOs (%)

Unit 1 Unit 2 Unit 3