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Which ALevels have essay-style assessments and exams out of physics, chemistry, computer science, and Geog?

8 replies

Myheadhurtsagain · 01/02/2025 01:17

Hi, so in year 11. Very science based. Looking at A level choices. He has always struggled with writing essays...despite attempts to support, he still struggles. Would far rather avoid them altogether.

He also has a choice of schools.

Does anyone know if the following A levels are essay-free (or relatively so) please?

Chemistry : AQA
Computer Science: OCR
Geog: Edexcel or Cambridge International
Physics: AQA or OCR

OP posts:
mmaatthhss · 01/02/2025 01:43

Computer science has essays, much to my DD’s disgust.

Chemistry and physics don’t have essays.

I expect geography has essays but I don’t know for sure.

blueshoes · 01/02/2025 01:50

Physics.

Cannot speak for the rest as my dcs did not take them.

PerpetualOptimist · 01/02/2025 05:29

Download some recent past exam papers for the relevant exam boards - this will give you a good indication.

Geog and CS are likely to require some extended written answers (eg 20 markers) but not full blown essays. For certain exam boards, these subjects have NEAs which effectively means the writing up of a mini dissertation.

veryai · 01/02/2025 07:33

This is what ChatGPT tells me. Bear in mind it not be 100% accurate but definitely a good place to start

Of the A-level subjects you listed, Chemistry (AQA) involves very little essay writing. Most questions are calculations, structured short answers, and some longer explanations, particularly for reaction mechanisms or trends. The longest responses are typically six-mark questions that require clear explanations rather than full essays.

Computer Science (OCR) also has minimal essay writing. The majority of the course focuses on logic, programming, and problem-solving. While there are some extended-response questions, particularly on ethical and societal issues, these tend to be concise rather than essay-style. The Non-Exam Assessment (NEA) requires a written report, but it is more technical than a traditional essay.

Geography, whether Edexcel or Cambridge International, is the most essay-heavy of the four subjects. Case study-based questions often require extended writing, with answers worth between ten and twenty marks. Edexcel tends to have more essay-style responses, while Cambridge International features shorter, more structured questions, but both involve significant written analysis.

Physics (AQA or OCR) is largely calculation-based, with minimal essay writing. While there are some extended six-mark questions, they require structured scientific explanations rather than essay-style responses. OCR may have slightly more long-answer questions, but neither exam board includes true essay writing.

Overall, Chemistry, Computer Science, and Physics are relatively essay-free, while Geography, particularly with Edexcel, involves more extended writing. If avoiding essays is a priority, Geography may not be the best option, whereas the other three subjects should be manageable.

Martydog · 01/02/2025 08:04

My son is currently in year 13 studying geography a level. He has had to complete an extended essay called an nea, which is 20% of the grade, this involved him doing research and collecting data and writing a 3000/4000 report. Please be aware that the course is split into human and physical geography. Physical is more science based and human is more sociology based. My son is loving the physical side but finding the human part tricky.

RedSkyDelights · 01/02/2025 11:59

It depends what you mean by "essay". All of those will have questions where longer answers are required than at GCSE level. But not to the level of something like English, where the exam is basically "write 2 essays". Geography (as per PP) has an extended project (NEA) which involves a lot of writing but because it's coursework you can take your time and also type (which made it easier for my DC).

If it helps, my DC who is equally allergic to essay writing coped just fine with Physics and Geography A Level.

Myheadhurtsagain · 03/02/2025 01:12

Thanks everyone for your replies, they've been very helpful

OP posts:
DorothyRA · 20/02/2025 11:56

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