What is the Controlled Assessment
and how do we plan for it?

The controlled Assessment has replaced Coursework in most new specifications for September 2009.

The AQA A specification on which is unit is based requires students to complete an assessment which includes the traditional "coursework" elements ....

1. Introduction
2. Methodology
3. Sorting of data and other evidence
4. Presentation of findings
5. Description, interpretation and analysis of findings
6. Conclusions
7. Evaluation

The main difference is the way in which the assessment is planned and organised With AQA A, there are the following requirements;

Task setting [High Level of Control]
- Examination Board set theme.

Task taking [Limited and High Levels of Control] -

• Elements 1-4 completed in class with teacher. 10 hours and 800 hours.
• Elements 5-7 completed in exam conditions .6 Hours 1200 words
• Task marking [Medium Level of Control]
• Teacher marked assessment, moderated by AQA

This unit focuses on a local issue for students at the Appleton School, Changing Urban Environments and in particular, whether Canvey Island [in Essex] needs a third road built to the mainland.

It is helpful if coursework is based on local examples that the students can relate to. This helps with their understanding of the topic being studied. A local study will also mean that transport costs and time out of school are kept to a minimum.

When starting the coursework module, I begin with the lesson below, to introduce the topic as a whole, and also give the students an insight into issues surrounding the topic.

Suggested lesson plan/lesson 1 ...