Changes to 4868 and 4880 with effect from January 2007 examination session

From January 2007, there are separate papers for GCSE Engineering and GCSE Manufacturing. This is in response to a QCA scrutiny which required OCR to make changes as follows:

The specification states in 1.5 that: 1.5 ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES Candidates for this qualification will be expected to demonstrate their ability to: AO1 recall and apply their knowledge, skills and understanding specified in the subject content in a range of vocational situations; AO2 plan and carry out investigations and tasks, using a range of tools, equipment, material, components and processes, in which they analyse vocational issues and problems; and gather, record and analyse relevant information, data and other forms of evidence; AO3 evaluate evidence, make reasoned judgements and present conclusions accurately and appropriately.

The weightings for the assessment objectives per unit are: It was felt that the joint paper presented limited opportunities for both Engineers and Manufacturers to demonstrate their knowledge of their own vocational area. From candidates’ responses to the joint paper, we know that they can successfully draw on their experience of working on Units 1 and 2. The revised papers encourage this approach. Revision guides distributed in Autumn INSET sessions reflect these minor changes. Unit 1 Unit 2 Unit 3 AO1 30% 70% AO2 40% 15% AO3

From candidates’ responses to the joint paper, we know that they can successfully draw on their experience of working on Units 1 and 2. The revised papers encourage this approach. Revision guides distributed in Autumn INSET sessions reflect these minor changes. There are 4 questions common to both papers and four aimed at Engineering for paper 4868 or Manufacturing for paper 4880. This results in less cluttered papers, removing the need for long lists of sectors / materials from both vocational areas. Some of these questions seek to examine candidates’ knowledge of Unit 3 by drawing on their practical experience of designing and making.

There is a choice in areas where practice varies between sectors There is a choice in areas where practice varies between sectors. For example: Questions on automated or powered processes (including the use of ICT ) may refer to manual methods, in Engineering this includes engineering drawings; Questions on modern and smart materials focus on engineering or manufacturing materials; Engineering questions may refer to specific engineering materials, components and processes, (AO2); Manufacturing questions may refer to production in more depth (AO2).