How Science Works

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The specifications for the new Edexcel science subjects state that How Science Works (HSW) is a newly introduced section of the GCE Science criteria, that builds on from the Key Stage 4 Programme of Study for science. The concept of HSW isn't quite new however, it's just that HSW now plays a major role in testing students' scientific knowledge.

I have found quite a nifty definition of what HSW means from this article. Here is the meaning:

So what does "how science works" actually mean? In addition to teaching the "facts" of science, teachers are now required to teach students things like "there are some questions that science cannot currently answer, and some that science cannot address", and that scientific and technological developments have their "benefits, drawbacks and risks".

Grades!

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Right-o! This post will address marks/grades and UMS.

Marks/Grades

Your AS grades count for 50% of your total A Level grade. The same holds true for your A2 grades. For the science subjects (and maybe most other subjects), you will be graded out of 600 UMS marks. UMS marks are the marks you obtain AFTER your paper has been marked. Your raw score is converted to a corresponding UMS score. Your grade depends on what UMS score you get.

You will always need the follow percentage UMS scores to get the matching grade:

80% - A

70% - B

60% - C

50% - D

40% - E