Proposed changes to the assessment of GCSEs, AS and A levels in 2021
Applies to England
Read the full outcome
Detail of outcome
We have decided to implement the majority of the proposals we set out in the consultation document. In summary, these decisions mean that for summer 2021 exam boards:
- should change how they assess content in GCSE geography, history and ancient history, as we proposed in our consultation
- should change how they assess GCSE English literature, to allow for some choice in the content to be covered. The government, which is responsible for the content of GCSEs, AS and A levels, has decided to allow for this change in light of the responses to the consultation
- should not, unless to accommodate subject specific decisions, make greater use of optional questions in exams
- should remove the requirement for centres to make a declaration to them confirming they provided all students with the opportunity to undertake a mandated number of days of fieldwork in GCSE, AS and A level geography. The non-exam assessment should be retained at A level but the exam boards should consider how they can be flexible in their requirements for the non-exam assessment to use primary data. We proposed this change for GCSE geography only in the consultation. We have extended this to AS and A level in light of responses to the consultation
- should remove the requirement for centres to make a declaration to them confirming they provided all students with the opportunity to undertake a mandated number of days of fieldwork in GCSE, AS and A level geology and AS and A level environmental science. We have made this decision in light of responses to the consultation
- should adjust the observational activity requirements for GCSE astronomy which would allow students to observe rather than carry out the activities themselves. We have made this decision in light of responses to the consultation
- will not be required to change the length, number or format of the exam papers, except as necessary to accommodate specific changes to the exam and assessment arrangements
- should, for GCSEs in modern foreign languages, report the assessment of spoken language as an endorsement alongside the 9 to 1 grade
- should allow for a range of adjustments to the assessment arrangements in a number of subjects to accommodate potential public health requirements, for example, GCSE food preparation and nutrition, GCSE, AS and A level music and GCSE physical education
Feedback received
Detail of feedback received
We received 28,972 responses to the online consultation that used the standard response form. This was a public consultation which asked for the views of those who wished to participate. We were pleased to receive a large number of responses, including many from students, and thank everyone for responding.
Original consultation
Consultation description
We are consulting on proposed changes to the way some GCSEs, AS and A levels we regulate should be examined in summer 2021 and to the arrangements for non-exam assessments undertaken by students who will be taking exams next summer. The proposals are made in the context of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This has resulted in loss of education during the spring and summer terms of the academic year 2019/2020. In line with the government’s policy intentions we are planning for exams and assessments to be taken by students next year.
We are seeking views on our proposals to change the assessment requirements for some subjects to:
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free up teaching time and, in some instances, reduce what needs to be taught; and
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take account of any public health restrictions relating to coronavirus (COVID-19) that might be in place during the next academic year
This consultation includes proposals and questions on the following areas:
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adaptations to exams and assessments that could free up teaching time
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adaptations to exams and assessments to address obstacles that could be created by any public health safeguards
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sampling of subject content
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the use of more optional questions in exams
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changing the length of exams
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changing the exam timetable
Documents
Updates to this page
Published 2 July 2020Last updated 3 August 2020 + show all updates
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Final outcomes and details of decisions added, as well as an analysis of responses and an annex to explain planned changes for individual subjects and qualifications.
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First published.