How Science Works
The issue
In 2006, the Key Stage 4 programme
of study introduced the concept of How Science Works (HSW). All
awarding organisations were required to include a proportion of HSW
in its assessment material. SCORE partners are concerned with the
lack of clarity on the definition of HSW and how the term is
interpreted by the different awarding organisations. This concern
was highlighted in the SCORE GCSE Science examinations report which
found:
- significant differences between awarding organisations
regarding the amount of HSW in examinations papers
- wide variations in the amount of HSW were found when comparing
foundation papers across awarding bodies and when comparing higher
tier papers. These variations suggest that there is a lack of
parity between awarding organisations in terms of the requirement
for students to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of HSW
within the written exam paper.
Activities
Published on 21 March 2011, Ideas and Evidence in Science:
Lessons from Assessment is an independent research report from
Andrew Hunt to SCORE. It will be used by the SCORE
partners to inform their understanding of the issues
around How Science Works and its assessment. In
particular it will help inform the SCORE position on the
nature of science in the National Curriculum.