Entry Level Science: What adaptations are in place for Summer 2022?

The following adaptations are for students certificating in Summer 2022. For those certificating beyond Summer 2022, please use the usual marking and points criteria.

• Can do tasks: Students are required to complete eight can-do tasks rather than 16. Each completed task is worth one point. There are no mandatory can-do tasks. Teachers can choose any tasks if they meet the skill requirement. We encourage centres to use demonstrations or simulations (including via video), to ensure that students can still experience the can-do tasks that they are not able to complete
• End-of-item tests: The number of end-of-item tests that students need to complete has been reduced from 36 to 24. Each end-of-item test is worth up to three points each in 2021/2022, instead of the current two points. Please strike through the usual points table on the cover page of each end-of-item test to indicate it is void. Centres can submit their best 24 tests, up to a total point score of 72. Centres need to ensure students complete at least one end-of-item test each from biology, chemistry and physics. End-of-item tests that have been completed prior to this year should be marked using the new points system (as long as the student is certificating in summer 2022).

The points for 2021/2022 are as follows:

• Practical tasks: Centres can use alternative arrangements for the practical task if candidates are unable to do practical work. Students can plan a method and can carry out the recording and analysis of data. This data can be given to them by the teacher if carrying out the practical is not feasible. Some alternative practical tasks are available to support you here.
• Candidate record card: Centres will need to complete an amended candidate record card for 2022.