Cambridge Assessment International Education provides some of the best science education
in the world. We are part of the University of Cambridge – the birthplace of scientific
discoveries such as the laws of gravity, the electron and the structure of DNA. We believe
that practical science is a fundamental component of providing excellent science education,
and that formal assessment improves classroom practice.
The importance of practical science assessment
Universities want to see evidence that a student has
undertaken practical work during their science studies at
school. We believe that the best preparation for university
study is to support practical science throughout a student’s
pathway, from Cambridge IGCSETM to Cambridge International
AS & A Level. This gives students the practical experience
that universities value so highly.
The formal assessment of practical science skills delivers
both immediate and long-term benefits:
• Science is a practical subject and research1 suggests that
success in future scientific study, or a scientific
career, requires good practical skills. • Many of the specific skills gained through practical
science experience, such as accurate measurement and
• When considering applications to science degree courses,
observation, or the value of perseverance, are shown to
universities want to see practical experience as well as
support progress in many other courses of study or
theoretical understanding.
employment routes.
• Students with proven practical science skills are best
• As practical science is often a group activity, it can also
placed to apply to such courses, especially at the most
encourage lifelong skills that are highly relevant to other
prestigious institutions, and to do well in their
subjects and career paths, such as team working,
undergraduate studies.
collaboration and communication skills.
• Practical skills improve understanding of the principles
of scientific enquiry and of scientific theory. The Cambridge approach
• Practical science can be one of the most exciting and Our work is informed by research and underpinned by
interesting elements of a science course, sparking over 150 years of experience. We believe that education
curiosity and engagement and improving understanding. works best when curriculum, teaching, learning and
From a teacher’s perspective, the motivational value assessment are closely aligned. That belief inspires the
of practical science can play a vital role in improving design of all aspects of Cambridge programmes, including
student performance across the class. our science provision.
Cambridge International AS Level science practicals have given students a head start at
university, as the students who have been exposed to other syllabi have never had a chance to
work with laboratory equipment or chemicals.
Bronwyn Crichton, Head of Department – Science, Lonehill Academy, Johannesburg, South Africa
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