The Joint Matriculation Board 'A' Level Examination in Engineering Science. The development of new examination procedures in Applied Science and Technology

Abstract

An A-level in Engineering Science is seen as a qualifi::ation for university entrance that provides an alternative to an A-level in Physics. Its syllabus is believed to offer a more suitable basis for engineering courses in higher education than the traditional physics syllabus but still provides a good foundation for further work in physics and the other sciences. Compared to the traditional J .M.B. physics examination, more emphasis is placed on the candidate's ability to apply his knowledge in unfamiliar situations; there are fewer questions in the cognitive areas of knowledge and comprehension, a greater proportion in the higher areas. Most important is the emphasis placed on course work, some of which, assessed by teachers and moderated by external examiners, contributes towards the overall assessment.

The Board of Examiners concerned with Engineering Science are aided by a development officer appointed by the J.M.B. Schools Council Project Technology gave financial support during the first two years of this appointment and Deryck Kelly·, the Project's Science Co-ordinator for three years and now Director of the Engineering Science Textbook Writing Unit at Loughborough University, played and is continuing to playa notable part in the development of the examination in Engineering Science. The A-level examination was first sat by -candidates from five schools in 1969; in 1972 there should be just over 200 candidates from 40 schools.