AS and A Level Science: How do I plan a programme of practical activities for the practical endorsement?

How do I plan a programme of practical activities for the practical endorsement?

The simplest way would be to select only the option 1 OCR example activities for PAGs 1 to 12 (i.e. PAG 1.1, PAG 2.1, PAG 3.1 … PAG 12.1); however most teachers will want to choose different options and incorporate some favourite experiments. 

The practical activity groups (PAGs) are organised conceptually and designed to make it easy for you to find an activity to support the course content you are teaching. We give you at least three example activities in each PAG; using the activity selection spreadsheet in the tracker you can check that your selection will cover all the required skills. 

In the planning your practical scheme of work chapter of the practical skills handbook we identify multiple opportunities for you to incorporate practical activities in the OCR A Level science specification you are teaching, see Biology/Chemistry/Geology/Physics sample planning table.

Do I have to use the activities provided by OCR?

No. These activities are provided as supporting materials to assist you to whatever extent you require. The activities have been cross-referenced to the practical endorsement criteria, trialled, and reviewed by CLEAPSS. 

You may use the activities 'as is', adapt them to suit your situation, or use them as exemplars in your planning. Alternatively, you may select other activities provided by third parties or that you have developed yourself, as long as these cover the requirements of the practical endorsement. 

However, centres should trial and risk assess practical activities themselves, even if they have been reviewed by OCR and CLEAPSS, before undertaking any activity with students.

If I do not use the activities provided by OCR, how do I know the activities I am selecting are suitable?

Many of the required skills will be covered routinely using any practical activities, e.g. following instructions, making observations and measurements, and keeping records. 

Select the activities that you wish to undertake and then check these against the assessment criteria (CPAC) and the skills, techniques and apparatus listed in 1.2.1 and 1.2.2 of the specification. 

Check that students have opportunities to routinely and consistently demonstrate the competencies described. If you are unsure whether the practical activities you have selected meet certain criteria, you can ask OCR for advice through science@ocr.org.uk.

Do I need to ask OCR's permission to use activities not provided by OCR for assessment?

No. You may check yourself whether they are suitable by cross-referencing against the assessment criteria. Select the activities that you wish to undertake and then check these against the assessment criteria (CPAC) and the skills, techniques and apparatus listed in 1.2.1 and 1.2.2 of the specification. Check that students have opportunities to routinely and consistently demonstrate the competencies described.

Can I use the OCR activities but adapt them to better suit my students’ needs?

Yes. You can adapt the activities provided by OCR and make sure that they are still mapped to existing assessment criteria or if your activity is assessing a different set of skills map it yourself to the relevant criteria.

Can I use the activities I have already been using?

Yes. You can map them against the assessment criteria. You may also find that some existing centre activities work better, so use them instead.

What if we change our planning and hence have to change the practical activities, must we report this?

No. There is no need to report every change in your planning to OCR. If you decide to change the activities that you will be doing then just continue as normal and ensure that you have recorded the competencies that have been met in the new planned activities.

Will I have to repeat the practical activity with each student who was absent on the day it took place?

If a student misses a practical activity through absence then there is no requirement for that activity to be repeated as there may be other opportunities in the two year course for the student to display some of the required skills and competencies. However if near the end of the two year course you feel that there are students who have not achieved all the competencies as required by the assessment criteria (CPAC) then you can arrange a mutually convenient time to allow that student to display appropriate skills and techniques.