Cambridge AssessmentInternational EducationPractical science with Cambridge InternationalCambridge Assessment International Education provides some of the best science educationin the world.We are part of the University of Cambridge-the birthplace of scientificdiscoveries such as the laws of gravity,the electron and the structure of DNA.We believethat practical science is a fundamental component of providing excellent science education,and that formal assessment improves classroom practice.The importance of practical science assessmentUniversities want to see evidence that a student hasundertaken practical work during their science studies atschool.We believe that the best preparation for universitystudy is to support practical science throughout a student'sAS A Level.This gives students the practical experiencethat universities value so highly.The formal assessment of practical science skills deliversboth immediate and long-term benefits:Science is a practical subject and research'suggests thatsuccess in future scientific study,or a scientificcareer,requires good practical skills.Many of the specific skills gained through practicalWhen considering applications to science degree courses,science experience,such as accurate measurement anduniversities want to see practical experience as well asobservation,or the value of perseverance,are shown totheoretical understanding.support progress in many other courses of study oremployment routes.Students with proven practical science skills are bestplaced to apply to such courses,especially at the mostAs practical science is often a group activity,it can alsoprestigious institutions,and to do well in theirencourage lifelong skills that are highly relevant to otherundergraduate studies.subjects and career paths,such as team working,collaboration and communication skills.Practical skills improve understanding of the principlesof scientific enquiry and of scientific theory.The Cambridge approachPractical science can be one of the most exciting andOur work is informed by research and underpinned byinteresting elements of a science course,sparkingover 150 years of experience.We believe that educationcuriosity and engagement and improving understanding.works best when curriculum,teaching,leamning andFrom a teacher's perspective,the motivational valueassessment are closely aligned.That belief inspires theof practical science can play a vital role in improvingdesign of all aspects of Cambridge programmes,includingstudent performance across the class.our science provision.Cambridge International AS Level science practicals have given students a head start atuniversity,as the students who have been exposed to other syllabi have never had a chance towork with laboratory equipment or chemicals.Bronwyn Crichton,Head of Department-Science,Lonehill Academy,Johannesburg,South Africawww.gatsby.org.uk/uploads/education/reports/pdf/good-practical-science-report.pdfPractical science with Cambridge InternationalStudying science with Cambridge InternationalWhen studying Cambridge InternationalCambridge sciences are available in a wide range of subjectsA Level Chemistry I found everything reallyand options at Cambridge IGCSETM,Cambridge O Level orCambridge International AS A Level.Students can studyinteresting,especially the practical.I'm a veryindividual science subjects,or for IGCSE or O Level choosevisual learner,so going into a laboratory gives youa coordinated syllabus.a vision of what you're trying to study instead ofTheoretical and practical learning combinedthinking of the subject as just numbers andSyllabuses combine theoretical and practical learning tochemical reactions.provide a solid foundation for university or employment.Sivali Wahab,former student,Jubilee School,Jakarta,Indonesia,now Enterprise Services Engineer,Techneaux Technology ServicesPractical skillsLouisiana,USUniversities want to see evidence that a student hasundertaken practical work during their science studiesat school.Our assessments support students to be in thebest position to apply to the university of their choice.Frequently asked questionsDelivering practical assessmentsWhy do some schools opt for science qualificationsthat do not emphasise practical science?Schools can choose between a practical test and,in theSome schools may not have the laboratory resourcescase of Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge O Level,analternative to the practical exam-a written paper.Schoolsrequired or may not employ teachers with practical scienceskills.Some educators are also concerned that if practicalscience teaching is too structured-reduced,in effectpractical exam at the same time can arrange multiple examsessions on the same day.to following a list of instructions-then it can be bothuninspiring and a poor indicator of student ability.Theseand staff,and by offering well-respected,well-recognised,learner-led scientific courses designed to stimulate studentengagement and differentiate student performance.If a student does not plan to study science atuniversity,why should they follow a course thatincludes science practicals?Practical science should be exciting and memorable.Itgreatly improves understanding of scientific concepts anddevelops skills relevant to all subjects,such as criticalthinking and problem solving,working in a team andcommunicating with peers.Students may also change theirplans after experiencing practical science,expandinghorizons and potentially leading to rewarding future careers.Fundamentally,science is a practical discipline and,by undertaking good practical science atschool,one gains a sense of what working in a science-related occupation might actually involve.Lord Sainsbury of Turville,quoted in Good Practical Science,The Gatsby Charitable FoundationLearn more!For more information visit www.cambridgeinternational.org*6175668527*Copyright UCLES May 2019