Developing new GCSEs, AS and A Levels for first teaching in 2017
Applies to England
Read the full outcome
Detail of outcome
The decisions we have taken are summarised below.
Non-exam assessment
We have decided not to change the weightings for non-exam assessment in these qualifications from those that we consulted on. We explain why in our decisions document. The weightings for non-exam assessment that we will require in reformed qualifications are set out below.
| Subject | GCSE - current weighting of non-exam assessment | GCSE - new weighting of non-exam assessment | AS level - current weighting of non-exam assessment | AS level - new weighting of non-exam assessment | A level - current weighting of non-exam assessment | A level - new weighting of non-exam assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting | N/A | N/A | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Ancient History | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Archaeology | N/A | N/A | 0% | 0% | 20% | 20% |
| Classical Civilisation | 25% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Electronics | 25% | 20% | 26 to 30% | 20% | 26% to 30% | 20% |
| Film Studies | 50% | 30% | 40 to 50% | 30% | 45 to 50% | 30% |
| Law | N/A | N/A | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Media Studies | 60% | 30% | 40 to 50% | 30% | 40 to 50% | 30% |
| Statistics | 25% | 0% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Tiering
In line with our consultation proposals, we have decided that the only GCSE from these subjects that should have a tiered assessment is GCSE statistics. In line with current practice, all reformed AS and A levels will be untiered.
Assessment Objectives
After considering the responses to our consultation and reviewing the changes the DfE has made to the content requirements following its consultation, we have finalised the assessment objectives for the subjects on which we consulted. The final versions for each subject are available in the attached decisions document and should be read alongside the published DfE content.
Feedback received
Detail of feedback received
Key findings
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Based on responses to the Likert-scale questions (‘strongly agree’ to ‘strongly disagree’), the majority of respondents are in agreement with Ofqual’s proposals with respect to the majority of subjects. These findings, however, should be treated with caution given the considerable differences in base respondent numbers per subject.
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Most respondents generally support Ofqual’s proposals not to tier these subjects, with the main arguments being that this will open up opportunities for all students to achieve the best possible grades and that there is already a successful track record of these subjects not having been tiered in the past.
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The most common area of disagreement relates to Ofqual’s proposals to reduce the proportion of non-exam assessment for certain subjects following their reform.
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Subjects where there is greatest concern associated with reducing the proportion of non-exam assessment include film studies and media studies at all levels (GCSE, AS and A level), as well as GCSE statistics. The main cause for objection to Ofqual’s proposals is that these subjects involve a great deal of practical work which is best suited to non-exam assessment, in turn supporting students in their onward progression to higher education and employment.
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For the above-mentioned subjects, personal responses from teachers, as well as official responses from subject associations, are the main sources of objection to these proposals.
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A number of specific suggestions have been given for enhancing the assessment objectives in certain subjects - primarily by awarding organisations and subject associations. These are set out in the main body of the report.
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Comments on the equality impact of Ofqual’s proposals principally focused on the need to ensure sufficient provisions are in place to support students with mental health and learning disabilities such as dyslexia, specifically where exam-based assessments can prove more challenging than coursework.
Original consultation
Consultation description
This is Ofqual’s second consultation is about developing new GCSEs, AS and A levels for first teaching in September 2017.
The will be further consultation on the development of other GCSE and AS and A level subjects at a later date.
The subjects covered in this consultation are listed in the table below:
| GCSEs | AS and A levels |
|---|---|
| Ancient history | Accounting |
| Classical civilisation | Ancient history |
| Electronics | Archaeology |
| Film studies | Classical civilisation |
| Media studies | Electronics |
| Statistics | Film studies |
| Law | |
| Media studies | |
| Statistics |
The Department for Education are consulting on proposed content in these subjects.
Documents
Updates to this page
Published 10 September 2015Last updated 1 March 2016 + show all updates
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Updated to include AS and A level statistics.
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Removed 'and evaluate' from GCSE media studies assessment objective 2.
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Fixed some errors in the percentages of non-exam assessment for AS and A level archaeology, film studies and media studies.
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Updated with the final consultation outcome.
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First published.