A level and Vocational Qualification Reform what you need to know Sally Brown Head of Policy Higher Education

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1 A level and Vocational Qualification Reform what you need to know Sally Brown Head of Policy Higher Education Gemma Gathercole Head of Policy FE and Funding

2 GCSEs Non-exam assessment only where necessary Graded 9 to 1 More rigorous Tieringusedonly where one assessment cannot assess students across full ability range Speaking skills assessed: English Language - does not contribute to grade Modern Foreign Languages - contributes to grade A levels Fully linear; assessment at end of course In principle, assessment by exam only A level: non-exam assessment reduced AS exam only (except Art & Design) Graded: A*to E for A level A to E for AS level Same standard as currently AS decoupled; content will be a subset of A Level content; co teachable with the A Level Science practical work a requirement; graded passor fail; separate from grade for exam

3 Maths landscape Sep 2014 Sep 2015 First teaching of the new National Curriculum First teaching of reformed GCSE Maths Bigger content; will require more teaching time First teaching of new Core Maths for post 16 For post-16 students whohave achieved at least grade C in GCSE Maths First teaching of reformed A levels (13 subjects in phase1) Assessment of mathematical skills more prominent Sep 2017 First teaching of reformed A levels in Maths and Further Maths Content to be the responsibility of ALCAB

4 First teaching September 2015 GCSE English Language English Literature Mathematics A/AS level Art and Design Business Computer Science Economics English Literature, English Language English Language and Literature History Science (Physics, Psychology, Biology, Chemistry) Sociology

5 First teaching September 2016 GCSE Ancient Languages Art & Design Computer Science Citizenship Studies Cooking and Nutrition Dance Design and Technology Drama Geography History Modern Foreign Languages Music Physical Education Religious Studies Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Double Science) AS/A level Ancient Languages Dance Design and Technology Drama and Theatre Geography Modern Foreign Languages Music Physical Education Religious Studies

6 Completing GCSE, AS and A level Reform Ofqual consultation now closed Three key proposals: development of appropriate core content by exam boards for the remaining subjects removal of a number of similar or overlapping subjectsthat are unlikely to meet Ofqual sstandards requirements a schedule for the completion of the reform programme

7 What s happening to other A level Discontinued subjects Applied Art and Design, Economics and business, Applied Business and Human Biology To be continued Humanities, Applied Science, Environmental Science and Science in Society

8 What s happening to other subjects Decision yet to be made on: Performing Arts, Performance Studies, Catering, Home economics, Electronics, Engineering, Manufacturing and Engineering

9 What do we mean by co-teachability The AS is a separate qualification to the GCE A level in the subject. Its structure does however, reflect that of the A level. Students are not required to sit the AS before proceeding to the A level. If students do take the AS and move onto the A level they will be reassessed on some of the material they have already covered but at a higher standard.

10 English Literature example Exam 1: Dramaand Poetry Pre 1900 Shakespeare Drama and poetry Pre 1900 (Closed text) Exam 2: Comparative and Contextual Study Close reading ( unseen) Comparative and Contextual essay (Closed text) Exam 1: Dramaand Poetry Pre 1900 Shakespeare Drama and poetry Pre 1900 (Closed text) Exam 2: Drama and Prose Post 1900 Drama Post 1900 Prose 1900 (closed text) Non examined assessment component: literature post 1900 Criticalpiece OR recreativepiece with commentary

11 Questions still remain Possible change in Government May 2015 AS recoupled and possible National baccalaureate Resits still no confirmation Funding additional funding for the brightest students

12 Vocational Qualification Reform Technical Awards Applied General (L3) Technical Level (L3) Technical Certificates (L2)

13 14-19 technical and vocational Technical Awards qualifications Broad, high-quality level 1 and level 2 qualifications that equip students with applied knowledge and associated practical skills, not usually acquired through general education Focus on the applied study of an industry sector or occupational area, or the acquisition of practical and technical skills Will fulfil entry requirements for both academic and vocational study post-16, alongside GCSEs. Qualifications that focus on a particular occupation and, as a result, could limit a 16 year old s progression opportunities, will not be approved as Technical Awards.

14 14-19 technical and vocational qualifications Applied General qualifications Provide broad study of an academic area Recognised by HE for entry requirements Combination of theory and practice for a sector area but not for a specific occupation From 150 GLH in size Technical Level qualifications Provide clear preparation for employment in a technical occupation or occupational group Recognised by employers From 300 GLH in size

15 Timeline for vocational qualifications reform 2016 performance tables 2017 performance tables 2018 performance tables List of eligible qualspublished Dec 2013 List of eligible qualspublished Dec 2014 List of eligible qualspublished Dec 2015 Interim characteristics Mixture of old and new qualifications Full characteristics

16 English and maths GCSE English (grade D) GCSE Maths (grade D) Functional Skills AS Maths A Level Maths Core Maths (L3)

17 Questions?