Focused assessment of Sc1
This approach uses activities from the QCA Scheme of Work to focus assessment on specific aspects of scientific inquiry (Sc1). It has been based on a strategy first devised by Bristol LEA then developed by the Improving Science Together Project funded by the AstraZeneca Science Teaching Trust.
Why use this approach?
The advantage of this approach is that it enables you to make a detailed assessment of one or two aspects of scientific inquiry (Sc1) at a time, within the context of a whole investigation. This means that assessing the full range of Sc1 becomes more manageable with a whole class. Specific areas for development can be identified and subsequent teaching can take this into account with more clearly defined learning objectives - the assessment is formative.
Read more about the focused assessment approach
What is focused assessment?
An activity has been identified from each QCA Unit of Work that is appropriate for a focused assessment of scientific inquiry (Sc1). Ideally it should occur about two thirds of the way through a topic - far enough that the children have had the opportunity to develop their understanding and skills, but not right at the end of the topic so that there is still time to act on the assessment information. Although matched to the QCA SoW, the general approach could be adapted for other schemes of work that you may be using.
Learn about the focused assessment
How to use the focused assessments
It is not an 'off the peg' solution to scientific inquiry (Sc1) assessment. It is a flexible system that means you don't have to reinvent the wheel. For some QCA units there is more than one focused assessment because different schools chose to focus on a different strand of scientific inquiry (Sc1). This means that you can choose the one you prefer.
Each of these focused assessments was written for a particular class of children, working in a particular school. We strongly recommend that you amend any plan to suit your own class and circumstances.
Find out how to use this solution
Planning Sheets
The planning sheets for scientific inquiry (Sc1) focused assessment are available here. Please refer to the relevant QCA Units to find where the focused assessment fits into the sequence of lessons.