Mark schemes are prepared by the Lead Assessment Writer and considered, together with the

relevant questions, by a panel of subject teachers. This mark scheme includes any amendments made

at the standardisation events which all associates participate in and is the scheme which was used by

them in this examination. The standardisation process ensures that the mark scheme covers the

students’ responses to questions and that every associate understands and applies it in the same

correct way. As preparation for standardisation each associate analyses a number of students’ tests.

Alternative answers not already covered by the mark scheme are discussed and legislated for. If, after

the standardisation process, associates encounter unusual answers which have not been raised they

are required to refer these to the Lead Examiner.

It must be stressed that a mark scheme is a working document, in many cases further developed and

expanded on the basis of students’ reactions to a particular paper. Assumptions about future mark

schemes on the basis of one year’s document should be avoided; whilst the guiding principles of

assessment remain constant, details will change, depending on the content of a particular

examination paper.

Further copies of this mark scheme are available from aqa.org.uk