Broadening options in science using OCR NationalsHaving the right pathways for individuals

Nationals in Science are part of a suite of qualifications. Evidence can be transferred from one qualification to another.

Qualification

Business

Design

Health and Social Care

ICT

Media

Public Services

Science

Sport

Travel and Tourism

OCR Nationals• Aimed at young people aged 14 – 19 - but is now seen

11 - 19• Supports both Vocational & Academic routes - the

support programme for triple award is moving it towards a National

• Reflects the learning styles and assessment needs of individual students – very important and so supports the 1973 Act

• Practically based to stimulate and interest – very important as science is a practical subject

• Science presently at level 2 – OCR listens to the needs of centres...

Qualifications

Unit titles• Unit 1: Best practice in science

• Unit 2: Materials in science

• Unit 3: Forensic science

• Unit 4: Food Science

• Unit 5: Science of health and body care products

• Unit 6: Science of construction

• Unit 7: Science and the environment

• Unit 8: Science in sport

• Unit 9: Investigating energy sources

• Unit 10: Industrial science

• Unit 11: The science of the universe and humanity

• Unit 12: Career planning for science

• Unit 13: Work experience in science

Both the certificate & award qualifications are drawn from the same bank of 13 units - So candidates can be moved up or down through the qualifications.

Guided learning hours

• Units 60 glh per unit

• Qualification 180 glh Award360 glh certificate

How are the units and qualification graded?• Unit grade

• Pass 1 point• Merit 2 points• Distinction 3 points

• Qualification grade (aggregation of points)Qualification Pass Merit DistinctionNational Award 3 5 7

National Certificate 6 10 14

How are the qualifications assessed?

• Centre-assessed and externally moderated– OCR model assignments are available

Guided learning hours

• Units 60 glh per unit• Qualification 180 glh Award

360 glh certificate• How much time for assessment? Consider:

– Candidate ability– Method of assessment

• Case study/scenario/project brief approach

• Individual assessment objective approach

Programme buildingYear 11 AS - 3 unit A Level start National certificate

Year 10 National certificate

Year 9 National award

Year 8

Year 7

high ability low ability

Resources• Resources lists are provided for every unit• Information on resources in the Centre/Tutor’s Handbook• Model assignments; examples of units• Centre resources, e.g.

– Computer facilities– Unit specific facilities (e.g. sports hall)

• Access to work/industry environments• Access to visiting/guest speakers• Hodder publications; Kingshurst multimedia

OCR Specifications

• Unit format - Learning outcomes- Assessment objectives- Knowledge, understanding and skills- Grading descriptors- Guidance on assessment and evidence requirements- Signposting to Key Skills- Mapping to National Occupational Standards- Resources

Assessing• Centre-devised assignments

• OCR model assignments

ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVE Completed tick

Ref/pagenumber

AO1 have you produced:

Task1 - a periodic table labeled poster showing: atomic structure referring to atomic mass, atomic number, electronic configuration, periods and groups in the periodic tableTask 2 - a model of ionic bonding of sodium chlorideTask 3 - a ionic bonding of magnesium chlorideTask 4 - models of covalent bondingTask 5 - a leaflet comparing elements, compounds, and mixtures

AO2 have you produced:

Task - a catalogue explaining in depth the properties, uses, structure of solid house materials

AO3 have you produced:

Task 1 - checklist for the production of copper wireTask 2 - checklist for the production of wallpaperTask 3 - product – copper wire laboratory notes and percentage yield calculationTask 4 - product – wallpaper laboratory notesrisk assessment

Centre-devised assignmentsCentre assignments and assessment

Centre writes assignment:

1 Check against AOs

2 Check against grading descriptors

3 Check resources needed

4 Involve as much practical/case study as needed

5 May be integrated with delivery

Assessor checks that theassessment objectiveshave been met fully and awards a grade

Assessor marks and gives feedback/further guidance to candidate if necessary

Candidate completes the assignment

Centre arranges a visit with the OCR Visiting Moderator Work is

internally moderated in the centre

• By student• By AO• By unit• By grade• By deadline

Tracking spreadsheet

Name

KS

3 grade

Unit 1

Unit grade

Target grade

Target +

/-

Deadline dateAO1 AO2 AO3 AO4 AO5 AO6

External moderation – the moderation visit• Who will come?

– OCR Visiting Moderator (may be accompanied)

• How often will they come?– Twice per year (free)– Additional chargeable visits as required

• What should be available?– All completed candidate work for the units being submitted– Internal moderation records– Facilities

• What is the role of the Visiting Moderator?– To moderate centre assessment decisions– To provide advice and guidance