GCSE Revised Specifications Support for Teachers and Learners. Subject Microsites. Personal Visits. Workshop Events. Launch Events

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1 Issue 10 Summer 2008 Subject Microsites Personal Visits Workshop Events Customised Student Guides Launch Events Schemes of Work Exemplar Papers and Mark Schemes GCSE Revised Specifications Support for Teachers and Learners

2 WINTER 08 Summer 08 contents UNIQUE CCEA CCEA is a unique educational body in the UK, bringing together the three areas of curriculum, examinations and assessment. CCEA is responsible for: Advising Government on what should be taught in Northern Ireland s schools and colleges; Monitoring Standards ensuring that the qualifications and examinations offered by awarding bodies in Northern Ireland are of an appropriate quality and standard; and Awarding Qualifications as Northern Ireland s leading awarding body, we offer a diverse range of qualifications at: Entry Level, Levels 1 4, GCSE, GCE and AEA, and BTEC Firsts and Nationals. CCEA S MISSION AND VALUES CCEA places learners and those who have a concern for their educational and personal development at the forefront of its thinking. CCEA s mission is: To enable the full potential of all learners to be achieved and recognised. QDS NEWSLETTER qds newsletter is published by CCEA twice yearly: once in the winter and again in the summer term. It provides teachers, lecturers and tutors in postprimary schools, colleges and other educational settings with up-to-date information on development and support matters relating to our full range of qualifications. qds newsletter is published by CCEA, Clarendon Dock, 29 Clarendon Road, Belfast BT1 3BG. Tel. (028) , Fax (028) , Web: For further information on the content in the qds newsletter, please contact the individual(s) named at the foot of each article. For editorial matters, please contact Doon Storey, Programme Manager: Operations Support, on (028) / dstorey@ccea.org.uk 2 01 Welcome 01 Looking for GCSE and GCE Past Papers? Now Available FREE Online 02 Support for Qualifications Online - GCSE and GCE Microsites 03 Occupational Studies - Fact File 04 BTEC Firsts and BTEC National Qualifications from CCEA 06 GCE Geography - How to Improve Performance in Our Examinations 08 GCSE Revised Specifications - Support for Teachers and Learners 10 GCSE Business and Communication Systems 12 Meet Our New Top Management Team 14 Business Enterprise - Fact File 14 Performance Skills - Fact File 15 GCSE Music - Fact File 15 Employment Skills - Fact File 16 Improving on Quality - We Want to Do More 16 QDS Newsletter - Share Your Ideas for Future Editions 17 GCSE Applied Business (single award) Obtaining Copies of CCEA Support Materials and Specifications Check out the online publication Examinations and Assessment Sales Catalogue to view the full list of available materials and instructions on how to order. The latest versions of our support materials and specifications are available to view and download free of charge on Ordering Additional Copies of qds newsletter Approximately 20 copies of qds newsletter are sent to each of those listed on our mailing list. Subject to availability, a limited number of additional copies are available on request by contacting: Stephen Cassells, Distribution Operations, on (028) / scassells@ccea.org.uk

3 Welcome Our revised GCSE qualifications are currently with the regulatory authorities awaiting approval. By the time you return from your summer holidays, we expect to have them approved and published on our website and shortly after that, delivered to you in print. During the autumn term we will be running launch events to introduce you to our revised GCSE specifications you can book your place to attend an information seminar online find out how on page 8. Another new online service we have introduced is the facility to view and download past papers for our GCSE and GCE qualifications. You can download as many copies as you want free of charge find out more opposite. We recently made some new appointments to our Top Management Team of Directors. They are responsible for supporting Neil Anderson, our Acting Chief Executive, in leading the organisation as we approach our transition to the new Education and Skills Authority find out more about who they are and their priorities on page 12. Two of our recent outstanding achievements were winning both the UK and Northern Ireland Excellence Awards with record scores. While these achievements demonstrate our ongoing commitment to our values of quality and excellence, and show how seriously we take our social responsibility, we still want to achieve more find out how much our customers rate us on page 16. Finally, if you have any comments on issues raised in the qds newsletter, please contact the individual(s) named at the foot of each article or contact me, / Have a great break and enjoy your summer holidays. Lorna Doherty Manager Operations Support Looking for GCSE and GCE Past Papers? Now Available FREE Online GCE GCSE FREE Online! We recently introduced another way to obtain copies of our GCSE and GCE past question papers and mark schemes, by placing them on our website. You can now access some past papers and mark schemes by going to and clicking on the relevant link: GCE Past Papers & Mark Schemes; or GCSE Past Papers & Mark Schemes. From here, you can view the currently available list of past papers and mark schemes, click on links and download as many copies as you want, free of charge. At the moment, copies of our summer 2006 and summer 2007 past papers and mark schemes are available, with January 2008 coming soon. Please note that some past papers and mark schemes are not available due to copyright issues. On this page you can also click on a link to download our Sales Catalogue. You can order printed materials from the Sales Catalogue and these will be sent to you by post. Costs start at 60p for past papers and 1.25 for mark schemes. Please keep visiting to keep up to date with new additions to the Past Papers & Mark Schemes microsite. 1

4 Support for Qualifications Online GCSE and GCE Microsites While we provide subject-specific support for teachers throughout the year in print, in person and at events, we have recently been focusing our attention on developing online support. Microsites This has taken the form of creating subject microsites. These contain all you need to deliver your chosen specification, including the latest versions of specifications, Chief Examiner reports, student guides and other subject-specific and interactive materials. The idea is to provide a one-stop-shop for all your support needs. To access the microsites, please go to and click on the Microsite Quickfind drop-down menu and select your subject. We have been adding considerably to the support that is normally available via the subject microsites. We will soon be posting podcasts for learners and schemes of work for teachers that can be tailored to suit individual needs. These new materials will specifically support our recently revised GCE specifications. We are also developing support for our revised GCSE specifications, which we will begin rolling out from this September. Make sure you read the article on pages 8 and 9 in this newsletter that gives more details on support for our revised GCSE specifications. Please contact our subject officers directly if you have any suggestions, comments or feedback on our qualifications support we are always keen to hear how we can improve the support we already provide. Podcasts Schemes of Work Go to - for all your online support needs 2

5 Occupational Studies First Skills, Level 1 and Level 2 Certificates Fact File Target Audience This qualification will suit a wide range of learners in the age group in schools, colleges of further education and training organisations. Key Benefits The First Skills, Levels 1 and 2 Occupational Studies qualification: offers exam-free, practical work, compiled in a portfolio; gives the learner the freedom to mix and match units from Agriculture Care Construction Design Digital Technology Engineering Hairdressing and Beauty Horticulture Hospitality and Catering Leisure and Travel Media Motor Vehicle Office Administration Retail Sport; units reflect National Occupational Standards; offers opportunities to enhance vocational learning in partnership with further education and training organisations; provides access to specialist tutors and resources; and enables progression to vocational qualifications at a higher level. Assessment The teacher in the centre carries out the assessment which is then externally moderated. If you would like to find out more about our First Skills, Level 1 and Level 2 Occupational Studies qualifications, please contact David Flynn at dflynn@ccea.org.uk / (028)

6 BTEC Firsts and BTEC National Qualifications from CCEA Available from September 2008 We are now offering new qualifications for learners who want to prepare for Further and Higher Education and for those preparing for employment. BTEC Firsts and BTEC National qualifications are now available from us with first teaching taking place from September We are very pleased with the number of centres that have expressed an interest in offering these qualifications. 3 Units BTEC NATIONAL AWARD 6 Units BTEC FIRST CERTIFICATE 3 Units BTEC Firsts and BTEC Nationals have been developed by Edexcel in close partnership with industry. CCEA is providing an extensive programme of support events for these new qualifications. Learners can take BTEC First qualifications as either a certificate or a diploma: NQF Level 2 First Certificate (based on 180 hours of guided teaching) = 2 GCSEs A* C; or NQF Level 2 First Diploma (based on 360 hours of guided teaching) = 4 GCSEs A* C. BTEC National qualifications lead to: NQF Level 3 National Award (based on 360 hours of guided teaching) = 1 GCE A Level; NQF Level 3 National Certificate (based on 720 hours of guided teaching) = 2 GCE A Levels; or NQF Level 3 National Diploma (based on 1,080 hours of guided teaching) = 3 GCE A Levels. Within each of the areas listed in the table opposite, there are a range of both core and optional units. 4

7 BTEC Firsts Art and Design Business Construction n/a Engineering n/a Health and Social Care Hospitality IT and Computing Land-based Logistics Media, Music and Performing Arts Public Services Retail Science Sport Travel and Tourism BTEC Nationals Art and Design Business Construction E-business Engineering Hair and Beauty Health and Social Care Hospitality and Catering IT and Computing Land-based Logistics Media, Music and Performing Arts Public Services Retail Science Sport Travel and Tourism First Teaching from September 2008 We have just held introductory workshop events, in conjunction with Edexcel, for teachers introducing the new qualifications in September We will follow these up with a programme of workshops between autumn 2008 and summer The first series of support events in the autumn will be held on 25th September First Teaching from September 2009 We will be holding Getting to know BTEC and workshop events later in the new school year for teachers interested in introducing these new qualifications in September You can get details of these events at the beginning of next term by selecting the Annual Support Programme microsite from the Microsite Quickfind drop-down menu on If you would like to find out more about our BTEC First and BTEC National qualifications, please go to click on the Qualifications tab followed by the BTECs tab or you can contact Karen McCann at kmccann@ccea.org.uk / (028) BTEC National Certificate 12 Units 5

8 GCE Geography How to Improve Performance in Our Examinations This is the latest in a series of articles on how to improve learners performance in our examinations. The focus of the series is on the how to improve as well as the what. GCE Geography In this issue, we focus on some hot tips for improving learners performance in our current GCE Geography qualification. This is a compilation of advice that we ve taken from recent Chief Examiner reports for the subject at this level. Please read the following tips and share them with your learners. HOT TIPS!! 10 hot tips for helping your learners achieve their best. 1. Read and follow 2. instructions carefully Remind learners to read the instructions carefully on the front cover of the examination paper, as well the questions themselves. In particular: Units AS/1 and AS/2 learners must answer all questions in Section A, but choose only two questions from the three in Section B; Units A2/1 and A2/2 learners must answer two questions in total, one from each of the two optional units studied; and Unit A2/3 learners must answer all questions. Deconstruct the question No question ever requires learners to write all they know about a particular topic. Rather, learners need to tailor their knowledge to the demands of the question set. It is important that they understand and take note of command words used, such as identify., describe., explain., discuss.. and to know the difference between them. They should also ensure that they know what the range and scope of the question involves; for example, causes, consequences, change over time, change over space. Some learners might also find it useful to highlight or underline key words directly on their examination question paper. 6

9 Case studies It is important that learners use case study material correctly to address the specific demands of the question. The specification will indicate that they use a case study of an appropriate scale, such as, small scale, regional scale, national scale, global scale. It will also indicate the level of detail required; for example, in some cases they may be required to make reference to places for illustration purposes only. Give detailed answers Examiners report frequently that examination answers are vague or generalised. Such answers are often, inevitably, limited to Level 1 marks. Answers should be focused and detailed and refer to place-specific details given for case studies. Use resources effectively Learners should know how to extract relevant information from photographs, maps, text, diagrams, data and graphs to answer the question effectively. This is particularly important where the question includes the phrase, use these resources to help you. Use past papers The use of past papers and specimen papers provide learners with opportunities to practice examination technique, become familiar with the layout and structure of past papers and to answer questions under timed conditions. Our 2006 and 2007 past papers are now available online. You can download them free of charge. To obtain copies, please go to: and click on the GCE Past Papers and Mark Schemes link on the home page. 7. Use the language of geography The Chief Examiner often highlights the need for learners to use subject-specific terminology in their answers Fieldwork skills Learners need to be well prepared for the assessment of fieldwork skills. As well as carrying out the fieldwork and producing a table of data, they need to be able to: show awareness of fieldwork safety; present results in cartographic and diagrammatic form; describe, analyse, evaluate and interpret evidence and draw conclusions; and evaluate their methods and approaches to enquiry and the limitations of the evidence collected and conclusions drawn. Use diagrams The use of a diagram can often provide a succinct and effective means of conveying an answer. In some cases the question will require a diagram as part of the answer, in which case the question will contain a statement such as, with the aid of an annotated diagram. Diagrams need to be well drawn, presented and labelled. Decision Making Exercise (A2) Learners should follow carefully the instructions provided on the front of the examination question paper. In doing so, they must: adopt and maintain the given role; make full use of the resources and information provided; use the report structure given; not reproduce the resources verbatim paraphrasing and selective use is more effective; and acknowledge all direct quotations used; for example, Mr Corduff, a local farmer, said that, we will do anything to save our land and our livelihoods. Information To keep up to date with all the latest in our Entry Level, GCSE and GCE Geography qualifications, please visit: or contact Margaret McMullan at mmcmullan@ccea.org.uk / (028)

10 GCSE Revised Specifications Support for Teachers and Learners Our revised GCSE specifications will be available for first teaching from September To ensure that you are ready to teach these new courses, we have planned a programme of support comprising guidance and resources, support events and e-support. Information on the focus of this support and its availability is set out below. Launch Events Schemes of Work These will be held on a subject-specific basis in the autumn term, They will focus on what has changed and why and what the changes will mean for teaching and learning. You can book your place online now by going to: Alternatively, you can wait for an invitation by post in the autumn term, 2008 and use our faxback reply service. These will be available on a subject-specific basis in the summer term, They will contain suggested activities for meeting the requirements of the specification. Online versions will also be available from summer 2009 onwards. They will be in a Microsoft Word format that you can download and tailor to meet your particular needs. Workshop Events These will be held on a subject-specific basis in the spring term, They will focus on providing subject-specific guidance and advice, particularly on new and unfamiliar areas of teaching and assessment. You can book your place online from mid-november 2008 onwards by going to: Alternatively, you can wait for an invitation by post early in the spring term, 2009 and use our faxback reply service. Exemplar Papers and Mark Schemes These will be available on a subject-specific basis in the autumn term, They will focus on preparing learners for assessments. Copies will be available in print at subject-specific launch events in the autumn term, We will also mail print copies to centres from half- term 2008 onwards. Online versions will also be available from half-term 2008 onwards. 8

11 Subject Microsites These will be available for revised GCSE specifications in the autumn, They will be similar to those we have produced for our revised GCE qualifications. They will contain a range of important information needed to deliver subject-specific specifications. They will enable you to send queries directly to subject officers. From early autumn 2008 onwards, you can access them by going to and selecting the relevant subject from the Microsite Quickfind drop-down menu on the homepage. Personal Visits We will continue to provide and to strengthen our support for teachers. Our staff are readily available to talk when you phone us with a query. You can also reach us by and, of course, we are available to make personal visits to centres to meet teachers and senior staff. Customised Student Guides These will be available on a subject-specific basis in the autumn term, They will contain important guidance for learners on maximising their potential. Online versions will be available from half-term 2008 onwards. The student guides were developed in consultation with learners. Information on support for revised GCE specifications can be found in Issue 4 / Spring 2008 of our Spec Changes newsletter. This issue also includes a free CD-ROM containing printable GCE support materials. You can also view Spec Changes online at 9

12 GCSE Business and Communication Systems Taking a Practical Approach to Teaching and Learning Increasingly, business is taking place in a world where goods and services are traded online and where computer applications are needed to manage business administration. We now offer a qualification that helps equip young people to work in this environment: GCSE Business and Communication Systems. The qualification will particularly suit learners who want to learn and apply their business skills practically rather than just write about them. Given its important place in today s business environment, e-commerce is covered in considerable detail. Our new qualification is the result of consultation with teachers. We have devised the range of applications in the specification based on their suggestions. As well as learning about the business environment, learners will gain practical experience in computer applications such as spreadsheets, databases, presentations and web design. 10

13 Key topics covered within the specification are: Use of ICT Word-processing Spreadsheets Databases Presentations Using the internet and Web design The Business Environment Business activity Uncertainty, risk, reward, and change Stakeholders Customers Communication Business ethics and social responsibility Marketing Competition Marketing mix Training E-commerce Role of ICT Advantages of e-business Effective business websites Legal implications of e-business Assessment The focus of the specification is on the practical application of skills: 65 per cent of the assessment is practical (40 per cent computer-based exam and 25 per cent controlled assessment). Learners will complete the following: One controlled assessment worth 25 per cent of the overall mark Learners will design a website and explain the business rationale for design choices by giving a PowerPoint presentation. Availability and Support Our new GCSE Business and Communication Systems is available for first teaching from September 2009 and will be examined for the first time in summer We will be providing free launch events to introduce you to the specification. To support its teaching and assessment we will be running teacher workshops. We will also provide support online including: a scheme of work; exemplar papers and mark schemes with associated files; advice for improving exam technique; guidance for controlled assessment; resource list; and student guides. Look out for invitations to the launch and workshop events for GCSE Business and Communication Systems, which will take place in the autumn term. We will the invitations to all heads of business in post-primary centres in advance of the events. In the meantime, if you would like to find out more about: Applied Business (Entry Level, GCSE, GCE); Business and Communication Systems (GCSE); Business Studies (Entry level, GCSE, GCE); please contact Amanda Swann at aswann@ccea.org.uk / ext. 2291; Business (BTEC First, BTEC National) please contact Margaret Huddleston at mhuddleston@ccea.org.uk / ; Business Enterprise (Level 2, Level 3) please contact Karen McCann at kmccann@ccea.org.uk / or you can visit the appropriate subject microsite at and follow the links on the home page using the Microsite Quickfind drop-down menu. External computer-based exam worth 40 per cent of the overall mark This two-hour externally set and marked examination will test learners ICT skills in a business context. External written exam worth 35 per cent of the overall mark This one-hour externally set and marked examination will contain structured questions for learners to complete. 11

14 Meet Our New Top Management Team In a previous edition of the qds newsletter, we introduced you to our Acting Chief Executive, Neil Anderson. Now meet our newly formed Top Management Team of Directors who will support Neil in leading the organisation as we approach our transition to the Education and Skills Authority. From left: Martin Quinn, Anne-Marie Duffy, Mark Fegan, Neil Anderson and Richard Hanna. Anne-Marie Duffy Director of Operations After some time as Head of Geography in St Louise s Comprehensive College, Belfast, Anne-Marie joined us as Principal Officer for Geography and Physical Education. Before her new appointment, she was our Examinations Manager and was responsible for the overall development and delivery of all general qualifications. Anne-Marie leads a charity initiative within the organisation which aims to raise 20,000 for War on Want. In this role she coordinates a number of teams who are running various events to reach the overall target. She is also a member of the Management Board of a youth media group called Headliners. As our Director of Operations, Anne-Marie sets out her vision for the future: The needs of learners in Northern Ireland are diverse and ever changing. My goal is to ensure that we continue to develop and deliver top class general, vocational and lifelong learning qualifications that will enable learners to fulfil their potential. We will continue to support these qualifications with innovative and accessible guidance for teachers. As we approach the transition to the Education and Skills Authority, I am committed to ensuring that our customers continue to enjoy the same high standard of service they have come to expect from us. The process of awarding examinations will continue to be of the highest quality and as a local organisation, we are here to support you. 12

15 Richard Hanna Director of Education Strategy Richard joined the organisation in 2001 as Principal Officer for ICT. In 2003 he was appointed Business Manager within the organisation with responsibility for e-learning Development. More recently, Richard has been responsible for the Pupil Profile and other statutory aspects of monitoring progress and reporting before taking up his current post. Before joining us he was a Head of Department in Ballyclare High School. As our Director of Education Strategy, Richard looks to the future: In the 2008/09 academic year, primary schools are required to carry out InCAS assessments with Year 5 and 6 pupils and to share the outcomes with parents. Annual Pupil Profile Reports must also be prepared for each pupil in Years 1, 2, 5 and 6 and the revised curriculum continues to be rolled out. It is a challenging time for schools. My top priority is to ensure that we continue to work effectively with other educational partners so that schools have the support they need as they work towards achieving these goals. We will continue to add to our extensive range of printed and online resources, provide training events and online and telephone support. Out ultimate aim is to ensure that the implementation of the revised curriculum and assessment arrangements is as smooth as possible for teachers, parents and pupils. Mark Fegan Chief Finance Officer Mark was employed as the Financial Controller at Bass before joining us as Business Manager of our Financial Services Unit in As our Chief Finance Officer he is now responsible for accountability, governance and securing value for money across all areas of the organisation s business. As our Chief Finance Officer, Mark highlights his commitments: It is important that we continue to work within our allocated funding as we go forward. The Financial Services Team strives to continually improve on efficiency savings and provides sound financial advice to the rest of the organisation. Our direct services to you include the processing of payments for over 3,000 examiners, moderators and invigilators and up to 30,000 claims per year. This totals over 5 million. By operating an enquiry helpdesk we are on hand to deal with any concerns you might have. A two-week turnaround time for processing claims is in operation and we can now pay markers a month earlier due to a new automated payment system. I am committed to ensuring that we continue to set ourselves challenging targets and review and improve our services to you. Martin Quinn Director of Corporate Services Martin joined us in 2003 after his first career as Logistics Officer in the Royal Navy. As Manager of the Examinations and Assessment Unit, his responsibility, until recently, was primarily the operational administration and delivery of all our examinations and assessments to no-fail standards. As Director of Corporate Services, Martin s vision for the future is clear: We use the very best performance and quality management systems available in the world of business to set high standards for ourselves. Through the use of various excellence models, we demonstrate best practice in many business areas leading to what is most important; top class service delivery for our customers. Over the next year our organisation will converge with other organisations to form the Education and Skills Authority. Through our continued excellence drive, we will strive to influence the quality and performance management of the new organisation. I am committed to ensuring that we continue to develop our people, systems, products and maintain our can do attitude which is focused on providing the best possible service for our customers. 13

16 Business Enterprise Level 2 and Level 3 Certificates Fact File Target Audience This qualification will suit learners from 16 years and upwards in schools, colleges of further education, training organisations and business centres. Key Benefits The Level 1 and Level 2 Business Enterprise qualification: is a short vocational course with 48 guided learning hours; complements and adds value to a wide variety of vocational and other courses; is assessed through a portfolio of evidence; and covers key business and entrepreneurial skills relevant to starting a business, including learning how to make a business ideas pitch. Support and Resources We hold support events twice a year. We issue invitations in advance, in the autumn and spring terms. You can also book online for support events at Assessment The teacher in the centre carries out the assessment. Appointed moderators visit all centres. There are two entry series throughout the year in January and June. If you would like to find out more about our Level 2 and Level 3 Business Enterprise qualification, please contact Karen McCann at kmccann@ccea.org.uk / (028) Performance Skills Level 1 and Level 2 Certificates Fact File Target Audience This qualification will suit a wide range of learners from 14 years and upwards in schools, colleges of further education, training organisations and specialist centres. Key Benefits The Level 1 and Level 2 Performance Skills qualification: offers exam-free, practical work, compiled in a portfolio of evidence; offers opportunities to enhance vocational learning in the world of performance; covers all genres of the performance industry ranging from acting, singing, playing musical instruments and poetry to DJ skills, animation and puppeteering; and allows learners to research their particular interests in the world of performing arts and to perform their work. Assessment Portfolios of evidence are internally assessed and externally moderated. There are six entry series throughout the year. If you would like to find out more about our Level 1 and Level 2 Performance Skills qualification, please contact David Flynn at dflynn@ccea.org.uk / (028)

17 Music GCSE Fact File Key Benefits GCSE Music has three components: - Composing and Appraising; - Performance and Appraising; and - Listening and Appraising. Learners present coursework in April/May and sit a linear examination in May/June. It has a one-hour Listening and Appraising examination worth 25 per cent of the total marks. This covers the three areas of study: - Music for Celebration; - Musical Arrangements; and - Musical Traditions in Ireland. Composing and Appraising, and Performance and Appraising comprise the remaining 75 per cent of the total marks. It has a single tier entry, A* G. Support and Resources We support our Music qualifications by providing a range of online and print resources and workshop meetings. At our annual Score concert we showcase some of the best and most interesting performances and compositions produced by learners for our summer examinations. If you would like to find out more about our GCSE and GCE Music qualifications, please contact Roger Trigg at rtrigg@ccea.org.uk / (028) ext Employment Skills Level 1 and Level 2 Certificates Fact File Target Audience Support and Resources This qualification will suit learners from 14 years upwards in schools, colleges of further education, training organisations and specialist centres. A detailed Learner Evidence Pack is provided that covers all of the qualification requirements. Key Benefits Portfolios of evidence are internally assessed and externally moderated. There are six entry series throughout the year. The Level 1 and Level 2 Employment Skills qualification: provides opportunities to enhance learning in how to research job opportunities and applying for that all-important job or further training place; and covers job research skills, completing CVs and application forms and how to get the best out of your interview. Assessment If you would like to find out more about our Level 1 and Level 2 Employment Skills qualification, please contact David Flynn at dflynn@ccea.org.uk / (028)

18 Improving on Quality We Want to Do More Does your experience of how well we have improved over the last number of years match what our external quality assessors think? The answer appears to be yes. In the recently published Customer Survey 2007 on you rated us on the quality of service we provide, and overall, you told us that you are 99 per cent happy. Our improvement in quality has also been externally validated by our continued accreditation to Charter Mark, ISO 9001, ISO and OHSAS Two of our recent outstanding achievements were winning both the UK and Northern Ireland Excellence Awards with record scores. These achievements demonstrate our ongoing commitment to our values of quality and excellence, including care for our: people, customers, partners, and stakeholders; and show how seriously we take our social responsibility. However we still want to achieve more. We want each and every individual who deals with us to have a positive quality experience. Our invitation to all our customers is for you to let us know where we can improve further. For more information on our corporate quality initiatives, please contact Heather Clarke at hclarke@ccea.org.uk / (028) QDS Newsletter Share Your Ideas for Future Editions The qds twice-yearly newsletter is almost five years old, having been first published in print in December 2003 and online in January The newsletter content is identified and mostly written by our staff. It is designed to keep teachers, lecturers and tutors up to date with the latest developments in qualifications and support. While we always ask for readers feedback in the newsletter and have carried out some formal research, we would like to take the opportunity to ask you again what articles or features you would like to see in future editions. The newsletter s focus will continue to be on qualifications, but perhaps you would let us know what you think of the following ideas for content: articles by teachers or senior managers in schools; a letters page; and competitions. Share Your Ideas! If you would like to share your views on these ideas or others you may have, please contact Doon Storey at dstorey@ccea.org.uk / (028)

19 GCSE Applied Business (single award) SUMMER 08 We have developed a single award in Applied Business to give learners the opportunity to study business in a practical and hands-on way. This course will help learners develop skills that are essential for today s workforce, including: presentation skills; personal organisation and time management; interpersonal skills, for example working in teams to solve problems; and thinking skills, for example problem solving, decision making, research, planning and analysing. The course is made up of 60 per cent controlled assessment and 40 per cent external examination. The controlled assessment will be made up of a number of smaller tasks based around enterprise and starting a business. This is to ensure that learners can see the relevance of what they are required to do and to ensure that marking is manageable for teachers. Research and Analysis The examination is one-hour long and consists of a number of structured questions based on a given scenario. GCE Applied Business will provide learners with a sufficient depth of understanding to enable them to make informed choices about further study and training. If you would like to find out more about our GCSE Applied Business (single award) qualification, please contact Amanda Swann at aswann@ccea.org.uk / (028) ext Applied Business interpersonal skills presentation skills thinking skills planning and analysing 17

20 Subject Microsites Workshop Events Personal Visits Launch Events Customised Student Guides Schemes of Work Exemplar Papers and Mark Schemes