GCSE maths research complete
In January we began a research programme looking at differences across the four reformed and accredited GCSE maths specifications – those of AQA, OCR, Pearson and WJEC. The work has...
A levels and GCSEs
GCSE maths research programme: an update
You may recall that we launched a research programme looking at the four new Ofqual accredited GCSE maths specifications in late January. If you need a refresher on what we’re...
GCSE English literature - learning and understanding, not memory
...poetry as part of their secondary school education. This debate appears to have grown from a misunderstanding about the assessment requirements of the reformed GCSE English literature exam. So let...
GCSE maths research programme update
I hope many of you reading this blog are already aware of the research programme we are undertaking to reassure ourselves, the exam boards, students and other stakeholders regarding the...
Accrediting new GCSEs, AS and A levels
With the end of term fast approaching, I have been reflecting on the first tranche of new GCSEs, AS and A levels. We have accredited 93 out of 124 specs, covering all subjects.
How we work to ensure the best quality of marking
You may have seen stories in the media recently about GCSE, AS and A level marking. I have been thinking about these and how to best enable people to form...
Reflections on the GCSE results
...speaking and listening counted towards the grade. That explains why 731,000 took GCSE English last summer but only 516,000 took it this summer – it is not comparing like with...
Some thoughts following the A level results last week
...year. There are significantly fewer GCSE entries from 15-year-olds; more students than ever have taken IGCSEs rather than GCSEs, and there have been changes in the mix of subjects that...
Waiting for results
...return to end of course exams in GCSEs; no January exams for A levels; a new structure for GCSE English and English Language, and strengthened GCSE Geography qualifications. Changes to...
Creative subjects do have a place in education
It’s been a week since we released our consultation on the reform of remaining subjects at GCSE and A level. Commentary on social media and in the news suggests that...