Assessment - A-Levels Biology
3 Assessment of OCR A Level in Biology A
3a. Forms of assessment
All three externally assessed components (01-03) contain some synoptic assessment, some extended response questions and some stretch and challenge questions.
Stretch and challenge questions are designed to allow the most able learners the opportunity to demonstrate the full extent of their knowledge and skills.
Stretch and challenge questions will support the awarding of A* grade at A level, addressing the need for greater differentiation between the most able learners.
Assessment components
| Component | Assessment details |
|---|---|
| Biological processes (Component 01) | This component is worth 100 marks, is split into two sections and assesses content from teaching modules 1, 2, 3 and 5. Learners answer all the questions. Section A contains multiple choice questions. This section of the paper is worth 15 marks. Section B includes short answer question styles (structured questions, problem solving, calculations, practical) and extended response questions. This section of the paper is worth 85 marks. |
| Biological diversity (Component 02) | This component is worth 100 marks, is split into two sections and assesses content from teaching modules 1, 2, 4 and 6. Learners answer all the questions. Section A contains multiple choice questions. This section of the paper is worth 15 marks. Section B includes short answer question styles (structured questions, problem solving, calculations, practical) and extended response questions. This section of the paper is worth 85 marks. |
| Unified biology (Component 03) | This component assesses content from across all teaching modules 1 to 6. Learners answer all the questions. This component is worth 70 marks. Question styles include short answer (structured questions, problem solving, calculations, practical) and extended response questions. |
| Practical Endorsement in biology (Component 04) | Performance in this component is reported separately to the performance in the A level as measured through externally assessed components 01 to 03. This non-exam assessment component rewards the development of practical competency in biology and is teacher assessed. Learners demonstrate competence in the range of skills and techniques specified in Section 1.2 of the specification by carrying out a minimum of 12 assessed practical activities. The Practical Endorsement is teacher assessed against the Common Practical Assessment Criteria as specified in Section 5f. Learners may work in groups but must demonstrate and record independent evidence of their competency. Teachers who award a pass to their learners must be confident that each learner consistently and routinely exhibits the competencies listed in Section 5f and has demonstrated competence in all the apparatus and techniques detailed in Section 1.2.2 before completion of the A level course. The practical activities provided by OCR are all mapped against the specification and assessment criteria. |
3b. Assessment objectives (AO)
There are three assessment objectives in OCR's A Level in Biology A. These are detailed in the table below.
Learners are expected to demonstrate their ability to:
Assessment objectives
| AO | Assessment Objective |
|---|---|
| AO1 | Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures. |
| AO2 | Apply knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures: • in a theoretical context • in a practical context • when handling qualitative data • when handling quantitative data. |
| AO3 | Analyse, interpret and evaluate scientific information, ideas and evidence, including in relation to issues, to: • make judgements and reach conclusions • develop and refine practical design and procedures. |
AO weightings in A Level in Biology A
| Component | AO1 | AO2 | AO3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biological processes (H420/01) | 13-14 | 15-16 | 8-9 |
| Biological diversity (H420/02) | 13-14 | 15-16 | 8-9 |
| Unified biology (H420/03) | 5-6 | 10-11 | 9-10 |
| Practical Endorsement in biology (H420/04)* | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Total | 31-34 | 40-43 | 25-28 |
* The Practical Endorsement is assessed and reported separately from the overall A level grade (see Section 5f).
4a. Pre-assessment
Estimated entries
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated entries | Estimated entries are your best projection of the number of learners who will be entered for a qualification in a particular series. Estimated entries should be submitted to OCR by the specified deadline. These do not incur a cost and do not commit your centre in any way. |
Entry options
| Entry code | Title | Component code | Component title | Assessment type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| H420A | Biology A | 01 | Biological processes | External assessment |
| H420A | Biology A | 02 | Biological diversity | External assessment |
| H420A | Biology A | 03 | Unified biology | External assessment |
| H420A | Biology A | 04 | Practical Endorsement in biology | Non-exam assessment (Visiting monitoring) |
| H420C | Biology A | 01 | Biological processes | External assessment |
| H420C | Biology A | 02 | Biological diversity | External assessment |
| H420C | Biology A | 03 | Unified biology | External assessment |
| H420C | Biology A | 80 | Practical Endorsement in biology - Carried Forward* | Non-exam assessment (Carried Forward) |
*The carry forward option will be available for the first time from June 2018.