Dr Thomlinsons Assessment Framework for Science
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ADVANCED
Chemistry
Physics
Working Scientifically
Use periodicity to predict the reactivity
of Group I, II and the transition
metals.
Critique a current scientific method
and produce an alternative plan for
the investigation.
Recognise the importance of genetic
engineering and the production of GM
crops.
Explain the steps used to model the
rock cycle and evaluate the results of
this model.
Construct a particle model to
demonstrate how the depth of a liquid
is related to the speed at which sound
waves travel through it.
Design light effects for a school
production using knowledge of how
light travels and interacts with matter.
Analyse and justify patterns in the
periodic table, evaluating the historic
contribution of scientists, through the
ages, towards the current
understanding of periodicity.
Explore and evaluate alternative
methods of presenting data.
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HIGHER
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Biology
Understand the three dimensional
structure of enzymes and relate that to
their biological function.
Describe the biological process of
digestion and understand importance
of a balanced diet.
Describe the common properties of
metals and explain how they react
with acids, water and oxygen.
Understand the process of
reproduction in plants.
Describe the rock cycle in terms of
the formation of igneous, sedimentary
and metamorphic rocks.
Describe how the density of objects
and the pressure within a fluid can be
explained in terms of the particle
model.
Be able to describe how light travels
and interacts with different media.
Plan a hypothetical investigation,
identifying and explaining key
variables.
Analyse results to explain patterns in
data, identifying anomalous results.
Evaluate a scientific method and
suggest improvements.
Present data as a line graph with all
appropriate labels and conventions.
Depth
INTERMEDIATE
Describe the process of reproduction
in animals.
Understand the role of muscles and
bones within the body.
Understand the arrangement and
behaviour of particles in the solid,
liquid and gaseous states.
Describe, measure and represent a
range of contact and non-contact
forces.
Use a microscope to observe cell
structure and record accurate and
precise observations.
Identify elements, mixtures and
compounds from descriptions and
particle diagrams.
Describe the key features and
principles of waves and understand
waves as a mode of energy transfer.
Plan and conduct an investigation
safely.
Analyse and explain patterns in data
and explain how data can be
improved.
Depth
Dr Thomlinsons Assessment Framework for Science
ELEMENTARY
Identify how animals and plants are
adapted to suit their environment in
different ways.
Explain how mixtures can be
separated through filtering, sieving
and evaporation.
Explain the main parts and functions
of the human circulatory system.
Understand how to make, use and
represent simple electrical circuits.
Record data in a table and graph and
analyse results.
Explain how we see luminous and
non-luminous objects and describe
how light travels.
Plan an investigation into the
performance of light bulbs.
Analyse and evaluate data about
asthma cases.
Depth
BREAKTHROUGH
Explain the differences in the life
cycles of a mammal, an amphibian, an
insect and a bird.
Describe the life process of
reproduction in some plants and
animals.
Compare and group materials
according to their properties.
Describe the effects of simple contact
and non-contact forces.
Categorise chemical and physical
changes as reversible or irreversible.
Describe the movement of the Earth,
and other planets, relative to the Sun.
Identify suitable questions to be
investigated and plan a fair
investigation.
Design an appropriate table to record
data from a scientific investigation.
Analyse and explain patterns in foot
size vs. age data.
Depth
FOUNDATION
Construct and interpret a variety of
food chains.
Describe the simple functions of the
basic parts of the digestive system in
humans.
Explore and use classification keys to
help group , identify and name a
variety of living things in their local
and wider environment.
Compare and group materials,
according to whether they are solids,
liquids or gases.
Recognise how sounds are made and
compare sounds using the terms pitch
and loudness.
Identify the part played by
evaporation and condensation in the
water cycle and associate the rate of
evaporation and temperature.
Construct a simple series electrical
circuit, identifying conductors and
insulators and understanding the
basic parts. E.g series, switches
Recognise questions that can be
investigated scientifically and those
that cannot referring to first and
second hand evidence (classification)
Set up a simple practical enquiry,
recognising a fair test. (Melting
ice/chocolate)
Make systematic and careful
observations where appropriate
present as tables and graphs. (sound,
dataloggers)
Draw conclusions from data collected
during melting of ice/chocolate)
Depth
Dr Thomlinsons Assessment Framework for Science