Examinations

This is about the 'classic' Nuffield Economics & Business course which ends June 2009.

Unit 1, testing Module 1.

Students select one from a choice of two evidence-based questions. The evidence may consist of text, graphs and data tables, often being some combination of these. Questions will be structured, with more marks awarded for those requiring evaluation and conclusions with supporting argument.

They then select one from a choice of two essay questions. These are always structured in two parts.

Unit 2, testing Modules 2 and 3.

Section A consists of a single compulsory evidence-based question. The evidence may be in the form of text, graphs or tables, or some combination of these. The questions are structured, the later ones embodying expectations that students employ higher-order skills.

In Section B, students select one from a choice of two essay questions, each structured in two parts. The essay titles are likely to be related to the subject matter of Section A.

Section C requires a choice of one of two evidence-based questions. These are broadly similar in style to Section A but test different areas of the specification content.

Students have been known to ignore the rubric of this paper and to answer more than the required number of questions. This affects their performance rather badly because they are almost certain to have insufficient time. They must be warned!

Unit 4, testing Module 4

This is the pre-issued case study paper, intended to provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate their investigative skills. A possible 5-8 pages or so of pre-release evidence is sent out in September each year. This can be used during the teaching of Module 4, so that students become familiar with it.

In the actual exam, some additional evidence will be provided. Questions are compulsory and structured. Half the marks are reserved for the final question which will require wide-ranging thought, analysis and evaluation. Students will need to structure their answer, building a coherent series of arguments to address the question.

The subject for 2002 is Interbrew and the takeover of Bass.

Unit 5: the synoptic examination covering the three options.

Section A consists of evidence and three structured questions.
Section B requires a choice of one from two structured essay questions.

The structure applies to all three options. Students must be carefully briefed to select only the options they have studied. They must also be ready to marshal all relevant ideas from the course as a whole. Awareness of the synoptic element in the unit is essential to competent performance.

Specimen questions are available from Edexcel.