AQA Science A-level 2015 – FAQs
When do you need to start teaching the new Science A-level specifications?
The new A-level will be taught from September 2015 onwards (first assessment in 2017).
What are the key differences?
A-levels are being changed to ensure that the qualifications equip students for higher education and
to make them linear. The key subject changes to science are:
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Strengthened mathematical and quantitative content to ensure that students have the
necessary numeric skills for undergraduate study.
Increased emphasis on practical skills.
What’s happening to AS-levels?
The new AS-levels, for first teaching from September 2015, will be stand-alone qualifications in their
own right.
What does the new content cover?
On 9 April 2014, the Department for Education published the revised content requirements for Alevels.
Please see: www.gov.uk/government/speeches/gcse-and-a-level-reform
What are the changes to assessment?
The new A-levels are to be fully linear with more synoptic assessment.
Students in England are no longer able to sit A-level exams in January. Students are only able to sit
AS and A-level exams in the summer.
How will practical work be assessed?
Students will still be required to carry out practical work as part of their A-level studies. However, it
will no longer be assessed as part of the student’s final examinations. Students will be awarded a
‘pass’ or ‘fail’ for their practical work, but this won’t be part of their final A-level grade.
Each exam board will set out their required practical activities (a minimum of 12) and students will
need to complete these to demonstrate they have developed the key skills needed for A-level study
and beyond.
Will we be publishing for all the AQA Physics Options?
Yes, we will be publishing material for all five of the Options.
Astrophysics and Turning Points in Physics will be included in the A Level Physics Year 2 Student
Book.
Engineering Physics, Medical Physics and Electronics will be published separately. Details TBC.
Will there be multiple choice questions in the AQA A Level examinations?
Unlike some other exam board specifications, the new AQA spec does not include multiple choice
questions.
How will we support you and your students?
Year 1 (includes AS-level) and 2 Student Books
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Selected for the AQA Approval Process
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Lots of Questions
Test Yourself and Exam Practice
Questions throughout
Differentiated questions to test
understanding and learning
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Student Guides
Student Workbooks
My Revision Notes
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Mathematical Skills
Integrated throughout and summarised
in one chapter
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Free online content
With Test Yourself Answers, Extended
Glossary, Learning Outcomes and Topic
Summaries
Exam technique
Plenty of sample graded student
answers, exam-style questions and
activities to meet the demands of the
new specifications
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Teaching and Learning Resources
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Magazines
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Events
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Reinforce and consolidate understanding
With exam support, tips and knowledge
check questions
Interactive resources, lesson planning
tools, self-marking tests and assessment
Use the Lesson builder to plan and
deliver outstanding lessons
Share lessons and resources with
students and colleagues
Track student progress with Tests and
Assessments
Deepen subject knowledge
With topical content and up to date
research
Exam support
Expert advice on tricky concepts and
exam questions
Training and support for the new A-level
specifications
From the best experts in the education
field to ensure you are given the most
up-to-date, relevant information,
delivered in an accessible and practical
way