Launch & Support GCSE Biology March 2017

Agenda Revision of GCSE Qualifications (for first teaching September 2017) Introduction Overview of new Specification Specimen Assessment Materials (SAMs) Support Materials Q&A

Accreditation Process Regulatory Framework General Conditions of Recognition CCEA will ensure that each qualification offered is fit for purpose Accreditation Process N Ireland GCE and GCSE Qualifications Criteria Two-stage process Stage 1: submission of qualification strategies for approval Stage 2: submission of qualification materials for review and accreditation

Qualification Strategies CONTENT - Rationale for the proposed: inclusion of internal assessment, where relevant weighting of internal and external assessment wording and weighting of assessment objectives assessment of mathematical skills : Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Economics, Business Studies assessment of QWC and subject content ASSESSMENT – Rationale for the: subject content for Specimen Assessment Materials (SAMs) content in assessments ensuring full coverage over the lifetime of the qualification duration of examination papers allocation of marks in examination papers, where appropriate number and type of questions in examination papers, where appropriate word limit or time limit for internal assessment and allocation of marks for internal assessment

Specification and Specimen Assessment Material (SAMs) Northern Ireland Regulator have carried out: an administrative review a subject-specific review a review of regulatory requirements

Collaborative Approach to the Revision Desk top Research Writing Teams Teachers Higher Education Consultation Existing Specifications Draft Specifications Consultation with students Relevant content Prepared for further study/work

Quality Assurance Higher Education - Higher Education Panel and Subject Advisory Team Industry - Industry Panel and Subject Advisory Team Teachers - Subject Advisory Team Equality Panel - Access for all Final CCEA Quality Assurance panel - Review of consultation comment logs and comment logs associated with all QA panels

Quality Assurance Equality Panel Final CCEA Quality Assurance panel Access for all Final CCEA Quality Assurance panel Review of consultation comment logs Review of comment logs associated with all QA panels Only when CCEA Quality Assurance panel is satisfied that all issues raised have been appropriately addressed will the Specification and Sample Assessment material be submitted for accreditation

GCSE Biology Unique features Employability New specification Provides broad balanced base for GCE Biology Strong emphasis on practical skills Helps to build up research, problem solving, organisation and analytical skills Allows students to develop transferable skills that will benefit them in training and Potential pathway into a range of careers, for example medical, agricultural, environmental, sport and fitness

Specification at a glance Content Assessment Divided into three units Unit 1:Cells, Living processes and Biodiversity Unit 2: Body Systems, Genetics, Microorganisms and Health Unit 3: Practical Skills 9 prescribed Practicals over the two years of the course Units 1 and 2 are each assessed by a written examination Unit 3 is an externally assessed Practical Skills unit in two parts: Booklet A and Booklet B. Any unit may be entered at Foundation Tier (C* - G) or Higher Tier (A*- D/E)

GSCE Biology Unit 1 Students learn about cells, photosynthesis, nutrition and health, enzymes, breathing and respiration, the nervous system and hormones, and ecological relationships. Students begin by investigating the cell and its importance as the fundamental building block of life, and develop their understanding of the key processes that occur in plants and animals.

GSCE Biology Unit 1 Assessment External written examination Students answer compulsory structured questions that include short responses, extended writing and calculations. Foundation Tier: 1 hour 15 mins Higher Tier: 1 hour 15 mins Weighting is 35% Available from Summer 2018

GSCE Biology Unit 2 Students focus on osmosis and plant transport, the circulatory system, reproduction, fertility and contraception, genome, chromosomes, genes and DNA, cell division and genetics, variation and selection, microorganisms, defence mechanisms and cancer. Students develop their understanding of the processes involved in maintaining all life and investigate problems that arise due to genetic or environmental causes.

GSCE Biology Unit 2 (cont’d) Students also explore the issues associated with non-communicable diseases, such as heart attacks, strokes and cancer.

GSCE Biology Unit 2 Assessment Externally written examination Students answer compulsory structured questions that require short responses, extended writing and calculations. Foundation Tier: 1 hour 30 mins Higher Tier: 1 hour 30 mins Weighting 40% Available from Summer 2019

GSCE Biology Unit 3 Practical Skills Units 1 and 2 include a number of practical tasks that students carry out during the course. Nine of these are prescribed practicals. Unit 3 is an externally assessed Practical Skills unit in two parts: Booklet A and Booklet B. Booklet A has two practicals from the prescribed practical list. We send a Materials and Apparatus list in December. We send a copy of Booklet A for each student to schools in January. All students must carry these out by May. They are marked externally.

GSCE Biology Unit 3 Practical Skills Booklet A has two practicals from the prescribed practical list. We send a Materials and Apparatus list in December. We send a copy of Booklet A for each student to schools in January. All students must carry these out by May. They are marked externally.

GSCE Biology Unit 3 Practical Skills Booklet B Booklet B is a timetabled, externally assessed exam taken at the end of final year of study. It consists of questions about planning and carrying out any of the prescribed practicals as well as more general questions about any practical situation that arises from the specification.

GSCE Biology Unit 3 Practical Skills Booklet A Students carry out two externally marked pre-release practicals in the final year of study. 2 hours for Foundation and Higher Tier Weighting 7.5% Available between 1 January and 1May each year beginning in 2019

GSCE Biology Unit 3 Practical Skills Booklet B External written examination Students answer compulsory structured questions that include short responses, extended writing and calculations, all set in a practical context There are two tiers of entry; Foundation and Higher 1 hour for both Tiers

GSCE Biology Unit 3 Practical Skills Booklet B (continued) Weighting 17.5% Available every summer beginning 2019

Specification Content Overview

Specimen Assessment Materials (SAMS) Overview of SAMS (GCSE Biology) Q&A

GCSE Support Sample assessment materials Type of Support Date Sample assessment materials Rolling basis from January 2017 Student guides/subject Snapshots Microsites Planning Frameworks Fact files Rolling basis from March 2017 Bespoke Materials Support Events Ongoing

Support Biology microsite at www.ccea.org.uk and specimen assessment materials; past papers; mark schemes; Chief Examiner’s reports; Principal Moderator’s reports; guidance on progression from Key Stage 3; planning frameworks;

Contacts: GCSE (Add Subject) Education Manager: Edith Finlay Telephone: 028 90 261200 Ext 2267 Email: efinlay@ccea.org.uk Subject Support Officer: Nuala Tierney Telephone: 028 90 261200 Ext 2292 Email: ntierney@ccea.org.uk Specification, sample assessment and support materials available on the subject microsite at www.ccea.org.uk

Support planning frameworks; centre support visits; support days for teachers; practical skills assessment guidance for teachers and candidates; a resource list; and exemplification of examination performance

Why choose CCEA? mbvbmvbmvb We support Learners - CCEA puts the learner at the centre of everything we do. We think about what learners need for life and work and then build solutions to meet those needs. We do this for the entire curriculum – from Foundation and Early Years to A level and beyond. mbvbmvbmvb We are Local - CCEA is Northern Ireland’s awarding body. We understand local needs and we are focused on providing services and products for learners in Northern Ireland. This also means we’re near you, should you need help or support. We are Listening - CCEA listens to those who use its products and services; this means listening to teachers, employers and learners, and taking action to ensure better outcomes for learners. This approach ensures that we develop relevant, high quality and innovative specifications and support.

Working with CCEA The benefits: teacher cover provided first-hand experience of how the examining system works user insight to the standards required for the assessment opportunity to examine assessments across a range of abilities improved learning and teaching outcomes creates links with CCEA personnel/subject officer opportunity to network with other professionals provides recognition and enhances the professional development of teachers Examiners and moderators are vital to the success of the examining system Teachers provide expert knowledge of the specification content Understanding of the capabilities of the candidature at a specific level

Keeping you informed The ReVision microsite – ccea.org.uk/therevision Essential updates Specifications & SAMs Monthly e-Vision newsletter Subject specific e-alerts Face to face Social media Twitter @ccea_info Facebook ccea.info Don’t forget to register for your updates on the microsite – ‘keep up to date’ section www.ccea.org.uk/therevision