4.5 Synoptic Assessment and Stretch and Challenge

The definition of synoptic assessment in the context of science is as follows.

Synoptic assessment requires candidates to make and use connections within and between different areas of science, for example, by:

• applying knowledge and understanding of more than one area to a particular situation or context
• using knowledge and understanding of principles and concepts in experimental and investigative work and in the analysis and evaluation of data
• bringing together scientific knowledge and understanding from different areas of the subject and applying them.

There is a requirement to formally assess synopticity at A2. Synoptic assessment in Chemistry is assessed in all the A2 units through both the written papers (Unit 4 and Unit 5) and through the written part of the ISA in Investigative and Practical Skills in A2 Chemistry (Unit 6).

The requirement that Stretch and Challenge is included at A2 will be met in the externally assessed units by:

• using of a variety of stems in questions to avoid a formulaic approach through the use of such words as: analyse, evaluate, compare, discuss
• avoiding assessments being too atomistic, connections between areas of content being used where possible and appropriate
• having some requirement for extended writing
• using a range of question types to address different skills, i.e. not just short answer/structured questions
• asking candidates to bring to bear knowledge and the other prescribed skills in answering questions rather than simply demonstrating a range of content coverage.