Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency

Last updated: 12 December 2007

Biology
AEA biology is taken by students in addition to an A level. It requires no extra teaching. It is for the most able students, and assesses whether students:

• show awareness of, and think critically about, the role and value of biology in society
• apply biological concepts to life and use biology to solve problems
• demonstrate a deep understanding of the A level material
• understand how different areas of biology relate to each other
• communicate effectively their knowledge and understanding of biology.

Chemistry
AEA chemistry is taken by students in addition to an A level. It requires no extra teaching. It is for the most able students, and assesses students' ability to:

• apply chemical concepts in novel contexts
• critically analyse chemical information such as experimental methods or data
• propose solutions to chemical problems
• evaluate information and evidence about how chemistry is used and applied in society.

Physics
AEA physics is something students take in addition to an A level. It requires no extra teaching. It is for the most able students, and assesses students' ability to:

• apply the fundamental principles and concepts of physics
• use knowledge of the ways different aspects of physics relate to each other
• communicate ideas effectively, construct arguments and solve problems
• critically evaluate information and evidence in new contexts.

Psychology
Advanced extension award psychology is taken by students in addition to an A level. It requires no extra teaching. It is for the most able students, and assesses students' ability to:

• evaluate information and evidence about how psychology can be used and applied in society
• apply psychological concepts, theories, approaches and research methodology creatively and in novel situations
• understand and evaluate the range of methods and techniques used by psychologists to collect and analyse information
• bring together and use knowledge of the ways in which different areas of psychology relate to each other
• communicate knowledge and understanding of psychology coherently and effectively.