Examples of Authentic Assessment in Different Subjects

As education evolves, traditional exams are being complemented by methods that reflect real-world applications. This page offers practical, subject-specific suggestions to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.

The suggestions below are intended as a starting point to spark ideas and give you some examples. The list is by no means exhaustive, and you should tweak and adapt these ideas as well as developing your own ideas based on your subject expertise and industry-related skills.

Accountancy, Finance, Economics

Area of Assessment	Ideas for Implementation	Wider additions to the assessment
Financial modelling	Create financial models based on real-world data or case studies and describe the impact or outcome of these approaches and any mitigations you may need to apply.	Consider ethical implications and the impact of financial decisions on stakeholders.

Agri-food Technology

Area of Assessment	Ideas for Implementation	Wider additions to the assessment
Crop yield analysis	Analyse crop yield data and propose improvements for sustainable agriculture.	Reflect on environmental impact, technology adoption, and food security.

Architecture

Area of Assessment	Ideas for Implementation	Wider additions to the assessment
Design critique	Design, develop and critically assess architectural designs for a particular scenario (e.g., building plans, urban layouts) based on functionality or approaches	Explore sustainability, accessibility, and cultural context.

Chemistry

Area of Assessment	Ideas for Implementation	Wider additions to the assessment
Lab experiment evaluation	Assess lab reports, experimental design, and data analysis and adapt experiment design or approach based on the output looking at the wider impacts on research in the area.	Reflect on scientific method, precision, and safety protocols.

Computer Science

Area of Assessment	Ideas for Implementation	Wider additions to the assessment
Software development project review	Assess software projects (e.g., apps, websites) based on functionality, usability, and code quality.	Reflect on teamwork, debugging, and user feedback.

Creative Arts

Area of Assessment	Ideas for Implementation	Wider additions to the assessment
Art portfolio review	Curate an art portfolio showcasing various techniques and styles. Fulfil a brief based on specific needs and analyse your choices in terms of form, function and appropriateness.	Discuss artistic intent, cultural influences, and personal growth.

Design

Area of Assessment	Ideas for Implementation	Wider additions to the assessment
Product prototyping	Create and evaluate prototypes for practical products (e.g., user interfaces, furniture) which needs to fit particular requirements.	Reflect on user needs, aesthetics, and usability.

Education

Area of Assessment	Ideas for Implementation	Wider additions to the assessment
Lesson planning	Design a lesson plan that incorporates active learning and student engagement.	Reflect on differentiated instruction and assessment for diverse learners.

Engineering

Area of Assessment	Ideas for Implementation	Wider additions to the assessment
Design project evaluation	Evaluate engineering designs (e.g., bridges, circuits) based on functionality and safety.	Discuss trade-offs, sustainability, and real-world constraints.

Film

Area of Assessment	Ideas for Implementation	Wider additions to the assessment
Film analysis	Design, produce and analyse a created film then produce a plan to improve. Demonstrate different roles and build a portfolio to show the progress of the film development.	Consider audience reception, genre conventions, and social impact.

Food Manufacturing

Area of Assessment	Ideas for Implementation	Wider additions to the assessment
Food safety audit	Conduct an audit of food production processes to ensure safety and compliance.	Consider hygiene, quality control, and regulatory standards.

Health & Social Care

Area of Assessment	Ideas for Implementation	Wider additions to the assessment
Patient case study	Examine a patient’s medical history, symptoms, and treatment plan and create a treatment plan with research to support your findings.	Reflect on interdisciplinary collaboration and patient-centred care.

Humanities & Heritage

Area of Assessment	Ideas for Implementation	Wider additions to the assessment
Historical research	Investigate a historical event, figure, or cultural artifact and present findings.	Consider multiple perspectives, primary sources, and historical context.

Journalism

Area of Assessment	Ideas for Implementation	Wider additions to the assessment
News article assessment	Evaluate news articles for accuracy, bias, and journalistic integrity. Once evaluated outline editing requirements and rewrite with a focus on how it has improved the purpose of the article.	Discuss media literacy and the role of journalism in society.

Law

Area of Assessment	Ideas for Implementation	Wider additions to the assessment
Legal case analysis	Analyse legal cases, statutes, or contracts to provide recommendations or argue a legal position.	Consider ethical implications and the impact of financial decisions on stakeholders.

Management

Area of Assessment	Ideas for Implementation	Wider additions to the assessment
Strategic planning	Develop a strategic plan for a fictional company, considering market trends, competition, and resources.	Reflect on the practical implications of strategic decisions.

Marketing, Leisure, and Tourism

Area of Assessment	Ideas for Implementation	Wider additions to the assessment
Marketing campaign analysis	Evaluate the effectiveness of a marketing campaign using real data (e.g., social media metrics).	Discuss cultural sensitivity and ethical marketing practices.

Maths & Physics

Area of Assessment	Ideas for Implementation	Wider additions to the assessment
Problem-solving tasks	Present complex mathematical or physical problems for students to solve.	Explore problem-solving strategies, mathematical rigor, and practical applications.

Medicine

Area of Assessment	Ideas for Implementation	Wider additions to the assessment
Clinical skills assessment	Observe and evaluate medical students’ clinical skills (e.g., patient communication, physical exams).	Reflect on empathy, professionalism, and lifelong learning.

Pharmacy

Area of Assessment	Ideas for Implementation	Wider additions to the assessment
Drug interaction assessment	Evaluate potential drug interactions based on patient profiles.	Consider patient safety, communication, and evidence-based practice.

Psychology

Area of Assessment	Ideas for Implementation	Wider additions to the assessment
Case study assessment	Evaluate psychological case studies (e.g., mental health, behaviour) and propose interventions.	Discuss ethical considerations, cultural competence, and evidence-based practice.

Social and Political Sciences

Area of Assessment	Ideas for Implementation	Wider additions to the assessment
Policy analysis	Analyse a social or political policy proposal and its potential impact on an area of your choosing.	Discuss ethical implications, stakeholder perspectives, and unintended consequences.

Sports & Exercise Science

Area of Assessment	Ideas for Implementation	Wider additions to the assessment
Fitness program evaluation	Assess the effectiveness of a fitness program (e.g., training regimen, nutrition plan) and make recommendations for changes based on specific case study requirements.	Consider individual differences, performance metrics, and long-term health outcomes.