ASE 2027 Annual Conference

This CPD session supports science teachers in strengthening the connection between practical work and exam success in A-level Biology. While practical experiences are central to the subject, students often struggle to translate hands-on understanding into high-quality written responses in assessments.

This session explores how practical skills, knowledge, and exam technique intersect, helping teachers bridge the gap between classroom practice and examination performance. By focusing on how practical work is assessed, teachers will be equipped to maximise the impact of practical activities on student outcomes.

Session Outcomes:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
Identify how practical skills and knowledge are assessed in A-Level Biology examinations.
Recognise common weaknesses in how students apply practical understanding in written responses.
Apply strategies to better integrate required practical work with exam preparation and assessment success.

The session will explore the relationship between practical work, CPAC and exam performance, using real A-Level Biology questions and mark schemes to highlight key demands. Teachers will engage in activities to analyse how practical knowledge and skills are examined, review student responses, and identify where marks are gained and lost. Through discussion and practical strategies, participants will develop approaches to ensure that practical experiences translate into confident, accurate, and successful exam performance.