Announcement on reformed GCSEs and A levels

by | Aug 14, 2014 | News

Announcement on reformed GCSEs and A levels

New A Level and GCSE content:

The Secretary of State for Education has announced the publication, for consultation, of new subject content for a further set of GCSEs and A levels which will be first taught in 2016. The revised content for these subjects aims to prepare students better for further and higher education, and employment.

The written ministerial statement can be viewed here.

GCSE

The Department for Education announced the publication of new GCSE content for combined and single sciences, geography, history, and modern and ancient languages in April 2014. This consultation seeks views on content which Awarding Organisations have developed, working with subject associations and other stakeholders. At GCSE these subjects are art & design, computer science, dance, music and physical education.

A Level

This consultation will look at subject content for AS and A levels in modern foreign languages and ancient languages. There are two parts to the consultation:

• The first part of this consultation seeks views on content which Awarding Organisations have developed, working with subject associations and other stakeholders. At AS and A level, the subjects are dance, music and physical education.

• The second part of the consultation seeks views on content for AS and A levels in modern foreign languages, ancient languages, mathematics, further mathematics and geography. The proposed content reflects the recommendations of the A level Content Advisory Board. Their reports can be viewed here. This new content can be found here, and in more detail using the following links:
– A Level subject content for ancient languages
– A Level subject content for modern foreign languages

In her statement, Education Secretary Nicky Morgan said that:

“In modern languages, there is more stimulating A level content with new requirements to engage critically with literary works and carry out independent research, presenting findings.

In ancient languages, the new A level content has increased focus on developing strong interest in the literature, history and culture of the ancient world. Students will be required to read and understand in depth literary texts in the original language.”

ALL has also responded to the ALCAB report, saying:

“This new proposal for subject content for Modern Languages at AS and A level has high expectations. ALL welcomes the emphasis on a smooth pathway from GCSE which should mean better achievement for students as they progress through their language study. We appreciate the accent on spontaneity and interaction, the importance of all language skills (speaking, listening reading, writing) supporting one another and the wide range of themes and resources included in the defined content.

There are elements which will give rise to debate among teachers: translation from and into the target language, for example, and the requirement for essays on literary/cultural topics in both English and the target language but overall ALL believes that this clear and broad specification is a good starting point for the development of stimulating new A level examinations.

ALL is also aware of many structural difficulties around teaching languages effectively at this level (small class sizes leading to mixed year 12 and 13 groups, for example) and hopes that as the boards develop their specifications they will bear two things in mind – the potential this core content provides for innovation in assessment and the practical considerations that many language teachers face in the day-to-day teaching of their subject.”

The AS and A Levels consultation will run from 16 Jul – 19 Sep 2014.
In September, the DfE will consult on content for the remaining subjects to be taught from 2016.

The DfE is encouraging responses by post, by email and online, and the closing date is Friday 19 September 2014.

So ALL would like to ask you to:
• respond as an individual to the consultation, and
• let us know your views to help us to put together our own ALL response.

 

Ofqual consultation: Reforming GCSEs in Modern foreign and Ancient languages

In parallel with the DfE publication of GCSE and A level subject content, and as part of their ongoing reform of qualifications, Ofqual have launched a consultation which sets out proposals for how a range of new GCSEs, AS and A levels due to be taught in schools and colleges from September 2016 should be assessed:
• GCSE: art and design; computer science; dance; music; physical education
• A level: classical languages; dance; mathematics; further mathematics; geography; modern foreign languages; music; physical education

You can download a copy of the consultation document in PDF or word formats.
Ofqual is encouraging responses by post, by email and online, and the closing date is Monday 22 September 2014. So ALL would like to ask you to:
• respond as an individual to the consultation, and
• let us know your views to help us to put together our own ALL response.

 

Further information, news and comment:

Department for Education:

Ofqual: