AQA GCSE sciences mark reviews

[Ladycustard]

DD achieved grade 4 in her three recent science GCSEs. Achieved 5s in the most recent mocks in March.

All three were a handful of marks off the next grade 5 boundary up (4,5 and 6 marks). Has anyone has any luck with mark scheme reviews for the AQA sciences? Thinking about getting at least the one that is four marks away reviewed. School closed at the moment (only opened for results day), so nobody around at the moment, but I can chase up this week and request a look at the papers.

Thank you.

I can't help but you are me. DD was predicted 7/7 in triple science, got 6/6 in mock, 5 in exams (as in 5 each for bio/chem/physics). 4 points off in chemistry, 6 in biology. I have no idea if it's worth getting a remark (A levels have now been replanned) and no word from school.

School have asked for dcs biology paper back. One mark off next grade. I’m waiting to hear from them about whether they recommend a review or not.

I’m waiting for a physics paper to be reviewed by her teacher before we decide if it needs to go back.

There's only any point if there are obvious errors in the marking.

4+ marks is a lot to go up in sciences, the review of marking is not a blind remark, just checking the examiner has misapplied the mark scheme. It's rare to have a paper change by more than one mark IME.

It may be worth asking if a teacher will check the papers (occasionally there is a mistake, markers do work quickly and humans are obviously fallible), however, you also risk losing marks if a marker has been slightly generous.

I'm not totally sure about AQA GCSE grade boundaries compared to 2023, but I know at A-level, our grade boundaries moved 10+ marks this year- so she could have been scraping 5s in mocks based on older grade boundaries, but unfortunately fell just the wrong side of them in the real thing.

Are these grades likely to impact future plans?

Did they want to do science A levels?

if not I’d probably just leave it. once you have A levels and beyond you just need to put “x GCSEs” on your CV - no grades required.

Thanks for all your feedback.

No, DS definitely doesn't want to do sciences! They were her worst subjects. My only concern is if/when she applies for Uni, it won't look good to have lots of fours. She's requested to look at the papers and we will go from there. I will keep this thread updated and let you all know how it goes.

Thank you.