examinations

Whilst the subject grade awarded is based on 100% written examination, a minimum of 15% of all available marks are dedicated to the assessment of practical skills and so the experience of carrying out practical work using specified apparatus and techniques will support access to those written examination questions. Common Practical Assessment Criteria (CPAC), required for the Practical Endorsement, will be assessed through the practical work completed and the outcome from that will be printed on the examination board subject certificate, alongside the overall grade.

arc exams dedicated laboratory, situated here (near to Birmingham city centre), will host a total of 15 courses enabling candidates to undertake the minimum 12 practicals required for the Practical Endorsement (PE). 8 Biology, 7 Chemistry and 2 Physics PE courses will be held between December 2024 and April 2025.

All learners participating in our CPAC courses will be given access to a series of videos, produced ‘in-house’ by BioGrad Education, demonstrating the 12 subject practical’s you will carry out during the five-day practical’s course.  

The benefit of these videos is clear. For any candidate with little or no experience in a laboratory setting or, for anyone unsure of what to expect during the course, these videos provide a fabulous introduction and insight to the practical’s you will be carrying out under the close supervision of BioGrad Education tutors. We’re confident that viewing these videos, prior to attending your course, will immeasurably enhance your A Level Science Practical’s experience

To register for any of our Practical Endorsement courses you will need to complete our online application form.

Each course will be delivered over five days, Monday to Friday (09:00 -16:00), the final day is usually reserved for writing up a full and contemporaneous record of all practical work completed; a requirement of the Practical Endorsement Pass outcome.  The exception to this is Chemistry where the final practical is delivered on the morning of Day 5 with the write up completed thereafter.

arc exams caters for both written exams and Practical Endorsements. Candidates can elect to do either, or both, to achieve their academic aims.  If you already hold a Practical Endorsement ‘Pass’ but wish to resit your A Level Science examination(s) we are able to ‘carry forward’ your PE.

If you intend to sit your exams at an examination centre other than arc exams, but they are unable to provide CPAC assessment,  we will be pleased to assist you. Just inform your exam centre you’re sitting your Practical Endorsement with us.  Once you have completed your CPAC we will liaise with your examination centre, furnishing them with all relevant documentation required for endorsement purposes.

BioGrad Education scientist lecturers will deliver each course in arc exams fully equipped teaching laboratory, enabling students to undertake a minimum of 12 practical work activities, providing numerous opportunities for students to meet the required standard in each of the Common Practical Assessment Criteria (CPAC) routinely and consistently.

The courses are designed not only for the assessment of these criteria, but also for students to enjoy their practical work, and to learn good laboratory practice. Furthermore, under the supervision of BioGrad Education’s experienced and knowledgeable staff, students are made to feel welcome and supported as they explore the practical aspects of topics they may have met only in the classroom.

Each course supports all the requirements of the Biology, Chemistry and Physics assessed practicals for AQA, Pearson Edexcel, OCR & Eduqas.

The programmes have been developed by real research scientists and others with extensive experience of assessment, to fulfil the A-level practical endorsement requirements. Unlike many other providers catering for up to 16, or more, candidates per CPAC, our courses are limited to just 12 candidates per course.  This provides an excellent tutor:sudent ratio and offers ample opportunity to spend quality time with the scientists and have time to make (safe) mistakes, learn and try again until you are confident in your work.

Just to recap, six compelling reasons why we believe we offer the very best in A Level Science ‘Practicals’ delivery:

• Unlike most private candidate assessment centres offering four-day A Level Science ‘Practical’ courses, here at arc exams & BioGrad Education we believe a five-day course (Mon – Fri, 09:30 – 16:00) better meets the needs of private candidates.
• Each course is typically limited to 12 places ensuring an excellent tutor/student ratio.
• Four weeks prior to your course commencing, you will be given access to a series of videos demonstrating the 12 subject practical’s you will carry out during the five-day practical’s course. All videos are produced ‘in-house’ by BioGrad staff and are only available to candidates who have enrolled and paid for their CPAC course(s).
• A requirement of the practical endorsement Pass is for the candidate to produce a contemporaneous record of the work. So, write up time, with the tutor in attendance, is available on the final day of the course,
• The cost of attaining your Practical Endorsement with arc exams/BioGrad Education over five days, is typically £100 less than fees charged by centres offering it over four days.
• Most Practical Endorsement courses offered by other providers usually take place outside of term-time. Ours are normally run in term-time allowing you the chance to ‘get away from it all ‘during those typical holiday periods.

Fees for Science based practicals can be viewed here

To register for any of our Practical Endorsement courses you will need to complete our online application form.  After doing so we will contact you to agree the date of your subject course(s).  Please note your place will only be confirmed once full payment is received (required at least four weeks prior to the CPAC course(s) commencing).

Four weeks prior to your course(s) commencing, BioGrad Education will issue joining instructions and a welcome pack to you, via email.

Notice for Candidates

Wear layered clothing to regulate body temperature.  Windows may be opened to maximise room ventilation.

Please bring:

Your own lab coat if you wish (lab coats will be available on the day)

Laptop/tablet – to make notes

Pencil case with stationery.