MATHS, ENGLISH & ICT
Most GCSE subjects are
changing from September
2009. However, for English,
maths and ICT, it is taking an
extra year. We explain what
is happening with these
crucial subjects and why
W
hile the vast majority of GCSE
subjects will experience a major
overhaul from September 2009
following a long review process, the
consultation is only just coming to an end
for those which have the biggest impact in
schools – English, mathematics and ICT.
These subjects will be revised and
introduced into schools a year later than the
rest, and will be taught for the first time in
2010.
Examination boards and the Qualifications
and Curriculum Authority (QCA) are still
awaiting the outcomes of the functional skills
pilot. The longer consultation period reflects
the importance of getting the changes right.
“The extended period of consultation
will allow the awarding bodies and
subject communities to focus on these
subjects,” explained Sara Coldicott, head of
qualifications development at OCR.
“Alongside the QCA subject criteria 2008. The final criteria will be published addressed in key stage 4 programmes of
development, we have been carrying out our in December, and submission of draft study and will be incorporated into the
own research to inform our responses on the specifications will be made by awarding revised subject criteria.
criteria and ensure that the new OCR GCSEs bodies to the QCA in Spring 2009. All learners will be expected to take both
reflect what teachers want.” The QCA will accredit the final the GCSE in a subject and the functional
So what are the most significant changes specifications the following autumn, with skills assessment for that subject.
taking place in these three subjects? first teaching due to begin in September At present, the QCA plans to require a
In all three specifications, the relationship 2010. pass in the functional skills assessments at
with functional skills is fundamental, but the “This timescale, while generous in terms Level 2 for the awarding of the respective
most significant changes relate to English of the development of the criteria, does not GCSEs (English, maths and ICT) at grade
and maths. In English, the proposals include give awarding bodies long from publication C and above from 2012, (i.e. for candidates
introducing three separate GCSE English of the final criteria to submission of the draft starting the revised GCSEs in 2010).
qualifications. specifications,” Ms Coldicott said. “So we “OCR will ensure that there is coherence
Meanwhile, in maths, there will be a move are working already with the draft criteria between the assessments for GCSE and
away from criteria based on mathematical and maximising the opportunity that the those for the functional skills so that there is
content to a process-based approach, with an different timescale for maths, English and economy in both the learning programmes
emphasis on problem-solving. The possibility ICT offers.” and the assessment,” Ms Coldicott said.
of introducing a second maths GCSE is also “There is a real issue about the burden
being looked at.
Functional skills
of assessment in requiring all GCSE
“OCR has been fully involved in the These are practical skills in English, maths candidates to take separate functional skills
criteria development and has been energetic and ICT that help learners gain the most out qualifications in addition to their GCSEs.
in making its views known,” Ms Coldicott of work, education and everyday life. “While the functional skills standards
added. “We want to know that teachers have The qualifications are being introduced will be embedded in the GCSE criteria, it
a chance to say what they think, so feedback to address employers’ concerns that young seems that the Department for Children,
to the QCA is vital and the extended people and adults are not achieving a firm Schools and Families is not confident that
consultation period into the autumn term grounding in English, maths and ICT as these standards will be met without separate
should allow this. Redevelopment presents outlined in the 14 to 19 Education and Skills assessments.”
exciting opportunities and we are very keen White Paper by the Department for Children, There are also concerns that linking
to canvass the thoughts of teachers. Schools and Families. achievement in the three subjects with
“We have various mechanisms so that Functional skills will be a requirement functional skills could depress the figure
teachers can make clear their views on all for achieving a good grade in GCSE and for five or more A* to Cs by as much as 10
aspects of the new qualifications. are an integral part of the Diplomas and per cent, if pupils do not make the required
“As we get closer to finalising apprenticeships. They will also be available levels.
specifications, we will be engaging as free-standing qualifications. However, the changes to English, maths
with teachers through conferences and OCR is currently running a three-year pilot and ICT offer scope for developing a very
consultation meetings to ensure that the new for functional skills in all three subjects at different type of qualification, particularly
GCSEs really do meet their needs and those all levels – Entry Level, Level 1 and Level 2. in English and maths, which will be relevant
of learners.” This pilot follows a one-year trial, and runs to, and motivational for, young people,
Consultation on the criteria ran throughout until June 2010. and enable them to achieve to their highest
the summer and will end on September 30, Functional skills standards have been potential, Ms Coldicott added.
10 SecEd
DELIVERING INNOVATION IN QUALIFICATIONS
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