What is an ISA?

In many of your subjects you get coursework to do. The coursework in science is the ISA which stands for Investigative Skills Assessment. It is very important as it is worth 25% of the marks for your Core Science GCSE. That's almost twice as much as any of the modules.

This is a rough outline of what happens:

     Your teacher will describe an experiment that you are going to do.

     You will be asked to draw a table ready to put your results in.

     You will do the experiment, usually in a group.

     You will be asked to plot a graph of your results.

     You will sit a 45 minute written test with questions based on the experiment you have done.

In year 10 you should get the opportunity to do at least two ISAs. The best mark you get will count towards your GCSE. ISAs are very important. They can make the difference between an A and a C or a C and an E. You should make a special effort.