In current exams there has been a definite drive to focus on assessing skills rather than content. This initiative has been welcomed by teachers and students alike. One such skill — one that is commonly underestimated and misunderstood — is Assessment Objective 2 (AO2), ‘application of knowledge and ideas’. With AO2 contributing to over 30% of the total A-level mark, it’s a skill that students need to develop correctly if they hope to be successful. Unlike other assessment objectives, there is no ‘formulaic’ easy fix. However, with appropriate time allocated and lots of practice, learners will become accomplished and ready to face the longer, extended questions featuring in Year 2 exams.
Application questions (AO2) feature heavily in both Unit 2 and Unit 4 research methods questions (WJEC) and Component 2 Investigating Behaviour (Eduqas). See Box 1.
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