How much practical work is there in SNAB?

It is assumed that students have experience of nine core practicals identified in the AS specification. Practical and investigative skills are developed formatively through all practical work in the course, but assessment of details of specific techniques is restricted to the core practicals.

There is no assessment of whole practical write-ups. Teacher assessment of three areas of practical work form part of the AS coursework, and the A2 coursework involves an individual investigation.

The use of living materials is a central focus of the practical activities. Practical work includes the study of a wide variety of living organisms, including humans, plants and micro-organisms. There are well-established practicals such as enzyme and microbiology experiments, plus less common ones such as strength testing of nettle fibres. The approach mirrors the aims of the course, where investigation and process are emphasised rather than prescriptive methods.

The 2005 specification can be downloaded from the Edexcel website. SNAB at Edexcel.

Here are details from Edexcel of their future plans. Specification for 2008