Specification 8 - Appendices

8.0 Appendices

AS Performance Descriptions for Chemistry

Assessment Objective 1 Assessment Objective 2 Assessment Objective 3

AO1 Knowledge and understanding of science and How science works

Candidates should be able to:

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

AO2 Application of knowledge and understanding of How science works

Candidates should be able to:

. analyse and evaluate scientific knowledge and processes
. apply scientific knowledge and processes to unfamiliar situations including those related to issues
. assess the validity, reliability and credibility of scientific information.

AO3 How science works

Candidates should be able to:

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

A/B boundary performance descriptions

Candidates characteristically:

a) demonstrate knowledge and understanding of most principles, concepts and facts from the ASspecification
b) select relevant information from the AS specification
c) organise and present information clearly in appropriate forms
d) write equations for most straightforward reactions using scientificterminology.

Candidates characteristically:

a) apply principles and concepts in familiar and new contexts involving only a few steps in the argument
b) describe significant trends and patterns shown by data presented in tabular or graphical form; interpret phenomena with few errors; and present arguments and evaluations clearly
c) comment critically on statements, conclusions or data
d) carry out accurately most structured calculations specified for AS
e) use a range of chemical equations
f) translate successfully data presented as prose, diagrams, drawings, tables or graphs from one form to another.

Candidates characteristically:

a) devise and plan experimental and investigative activities, selecting appropriate techniques
b) demonstrate safe and skilful practical techniques
c) make observations and measurements with appropriate precision and record these methodically
d) interpret, explain, evaluate and communicate the results of their own and others' experimental and investigative activities, in appropriate contexts.

Assessment Objective 1 Assessment Objective 2 Assessment Objective 3

E/U boundary performance descriptions

Candidates characteristically:

a) demonstrate knowledge and understanding of some principles and facts from the AS specification
b) select some relevant information from the AS specification
c) present information using basic terminology from the AS specification
d) write equations for some straightforward reactions.

Candidates characteristically:

a) apply a given principleto material presented in familiar or closely related contexts involving only a few steps in the argument
b) describe some trends or patterns shown by data presented in tabular or graphical form
c) identify, when directed, inconsistencies in conclusions or data
d) carry out some steps within calculations
e) use simple chemical equations
f) translate data successfully from one form to another, in some contexts.

Candidates characteristically:

a) devise and plan some aspects of experimental and investigative activities
b) demonstrate safe practical techniques
c) make observations and measurements and record them
d) interpret, explain and communicate some aspects of the results of their own and others' experimental and investigative activities, in appropriate contexts.

Assessment Objective 1 Assessment Objective 2 Assessment Objective 3

Assessment Objectives

AO1 Knowledge and understanding of science and of How Science Works

Candidates should be able to:

recognise, recall andshow understanding of scientific knowledge
select, organise and communicate relevant information in a variety of forms.

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

Candidates should be able to:

. analyse and evaluate scientific knowledge and processes
. apply scientific knowledge and processes to unfamiliar situations including those related to issues
. assess the validity, reliability and credibility of scientific information.

AO3 How Science Works

Candidates should be able to:

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

A/B boundary performance descriptions

Candidates characteristically:

a) demonstrate detailed knowledge and understanding of most principles, concepts and facts from the A2 specification
b) select relevant information from the A2 specification
c) organise and present information clearly in appropriate forms using scientific terminology
d) write equations for most chemical reactions.

Candidates characteristically:

a) apply principles and concepts in familiar and new contexts involving several steps in the argument
b) describe significant trends and patterns shown by complex data presented in tabular or graphical form; interpret phenomena with few errors; and present arguments and evaluations clearly
c) evaluate critically the statements, conclusions or data
d) carry out accurately complex calculations specified for A level
e) use chemical equations in a range of contexts
f) translate successfully data presented as prose, diagrams, drawings, tables or graphs, from one form to another
g) select a wide range of facts, principles and concepts from both AS and A2 specifications
h) link together appropriate facts, principles and concepts from different areas of the specification.

Candidates characteristically:

a) devise and plan experimental and investigative activities, selecting appropriate techniques
b) demonstrate safe and skilful practical techniques
c) make observations and measurements with appropriate precision and record these methodically
d) interpret, explain, evaluate and communicate the results of their own and others' experimental and investigative activities, inappropriate contexts.

E/U boundary performance descriptions

Candidates characteristically:

a) demonstrate knowledge and understanding of some principles and facts from the A2 specification
b) select some relevant information from the A2 specification
c) present information using basic terminology from the A2 specification
d) write equations for some chemical reactions.

Candidates characteristically:

a) apply given principles or concepts in familiar and new contexts involving a few steps in the argument
b) describe, and provide a limited explanation of, trends or patterns shown by complex data presented in tabular or graphical form
c) identify, when directed, inconsistencies in conclusions or data
d) carry out some steps within calculations
e) use some chemical equations
f) translate data successfully from one form to another, in some contexts
g) select some facts, principles and concepts from both AS and A2 specifications
h) put together some facts, principles and concepts from different areas of the specification.

Candidates characteristically:

a) devise and plan some aspects of experimental and investigative activities
b) demonstrate safe practical techniques
c) make observations and measurements and record them
d) interpret, explain and communicate some aspects of the results of their own and others' experimental and investigative activities, in appropriate contexts.

B Spiritual, Moral, Ethical, Social and other Issues

Moral, Ethical, Social and Cultural Issues

It is clear that Chemistry plays a major part in the development of the modern world. This specification is keenly aware of the implications of this development. The general philosophy of the subject is rooted in How Science Works (see Section 3.7)

This section of the specification makes full references to the moral, ethical, social and cultural issues that permeate Chemistry at this level and science in general.

European Dimension

AQA has taken account of the 1988 Resolution of the Council of the European Community in preparing this specification and associated specimen units.

The specification is designed to improve candidates' knowledge and understanding of the international debates surrounding developments in Chemistry and to foster responsible attitudes towards them. Environmental Education

AQA has taken account of the 1988 Resolution of the Council of the European Community and the Report "Environmental Responsibility: An Agenda for Further and Higher Education" 1993 in preparing this specification and associated specimen units. The study of chemistry as described in this specification can encourage a responsible attitude towards the environment. Examples include: biofuels, the recycling of scrap metals and the biodegradability of polymers.

Avoidance of Bias

AQA has taken great care in the preparation of this specification and specimen units to avoid bias of any kind.

Health and Safety

AQA recognises the need for safe practice in laboratories and tries to ensure that experimental work required for this specification and associated practical work complies with up-to-date safety recommendations.

Nevertheless, centres are primarily responsible for the safety of candidates and teachers should carry out their own risk assessment. Centres are advised to consider relevant information from organisations such as CLEAPPS and read Hazcards where appropriate.

Candidates should make every effort to make themselves aware of any safety hazards involved in their work. As part of their work, they will be expected to undertake risk assessments to ensure their own safety and the safety of associated workers, the components and test equipment.

C Overlaps with other Qualifications

This specification overlaps, specifically, with GCE specifications in Biology, Human Biology and Physics, as well as AQA GCE Science in Society and Environmental Studies.

The overlap with GCE Mathematics rests only on the use and application of the formula and equations given in Section 3.9.

D Key Skills . Teaching, Developing and Providing

Opportunities for Generating Evidence

Introduction

The Key Skills Qualification requires candidates to demonstrate levels of achievement in the Key Skills of Communication, Application of Number and

Information Technology.

The units for the 'wider' Key Skills of Improving own Learning and Performance, Working with Others and Problem Solving are also available. The acquisition and demonstration of ability in these 'wider' Key Skills is deemed highly desirable for all candidates, but they do not form part of the Key Skills Qualification.

Copies of the Key Skills Units may be downloaded from QCA's website (www.qca.org.uk/qca_6455.aspx).

The units for each Key Skill comprise three sections:

. What you need to know
. What you must do
. Guidance.

The Assessment and Qualifications Alliance (AQA) is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (company number 3644723) and a registered charity (registered charity number 1073334). Registered address: AQA, Devas Street, Manchester M15 6EX.