Curriculum changes and progression to Higher Education Jackie Powell
Continued school system reform RPA is now in progress Review of local authority arrangements ('Blunkett review') Academy numbers to increase further Further diversification Extended autonomy for schools 8 regional chancellors for schools Introduction of school boards
Primary schools Introduction of a revised National Curriculum in September 2014 More demanding 'secondary ready' tests Accountability: more detailed information on school and pupil performance. Possible reintroduction of external testing at age 7
Qualification Reform Revised National Curriculum developed: standards, content, structure and assessment for teaching from 2015 New GCSEs New A levels Stand alone AS levels (Applied) General and Technical qualifications - teaching starts 2014
Progress 8 A new measure of GCSE achievement from 2016 8 acceptable GCSE subjects, starting 2014 Current grades A* - G will become grades 9-1 Points will be given for each grade achieved. Only the first exam taken will count in school performance tables. Value added will be measured as progression from a points target based on individual student performance.
Progress 8 subject groups 1. English and Maths (both double weighted) 2. Three other EBacc subjects (i.e.sciences, computer science, geography, history, languages) 3. 'Open' subjects (from the EBacc range or from arts, academic or voc. quals. defined as 'high value'). Subjects in this group count as 1 GCSE regardless of GLH.
Other Progress 8 features English = English Language. Will only be double weighted if Lit is also taken. The best of Eng. Lang and Lit will count. The second best counts as an 'Open' choice. Qualifications chosen alongside subjects with similar content will have a 'discount points code', so that credit is only given once. Example: dance / drama.
16+ Education More emphasis on English and Maths for all students at all levels New Level 3 Tech. qualifications start 2014, with high standards and employability, backed by a minimum of 5 high status employers New Level 3 Applied General Qualifications start 2014: A level standard, suitable for HE entry, endorsed by a minimum of 3 universities. 18 year olds will be funded at a lower rate than 17 year olds ( all institutions).
A level reform Changes delayed - will now start 2015 More rigorous, less coursework Russell Group consulted on content Linear assessment after 2 years, not modular AS to be 'stand alone', not an interim qualification leading to an A level AS the same standard as A level, intended to be delivered over 2 years
Implications of changes for HE Applicants presenting with qualifications of the same name but different grading over a period of several years Potential grade deflation - planning of future entrance requirements and grades Understanding of new qualification content, delivery and assessment needed Y9 Options information will need revision
How schools and colleges can help Checking UCAS applications - make sure students have listed their qualifications correctly Make school/college options policies clear Comment on references if appropriate, on factors potentially affecting grades - e.g. if rule changes have occurred mid-cycle A level students - reference may become even more important when AS results not available
The importance of subject choices Particular GCSEs are required for some post- 16 qualifications and degree courses Prior study of particular A level subjects is required for some university courses However, plenty of courses don't require particular subjects for entry Potential grades vs subject choice needs careful consideration
'Facilitating subjects' 'Russell Group' recommendation (but applies to other universities too - also variations between the RG universities, so research needed). A 'facilitating subject' is one which is a requirement for entry for some courses; other subjects may be equally suitable and widely accepted, but are not a requirement. Subjects that can be viewed as 'facilitating subjects': Maths; Physics; Biology; Chemistry; History; Geography; Modern and classical languages; English Literature.
Other subjects Combinations of facilitating/ other subjects are fine: two facilitating subjects leaves the most options open, and one facilitating subject is required by many courses Three 'new' subjects is not usually a good idea - this is a real challenge. Grades are arguably more important than subject choice -don't choose subjects you won't do well in.
BTEC and admissions 95% of universities accept BTEC for entry BTEC acceptable for 70% of degree subjects BTECs are often used for relevant subject areas, but many are transferable to other subjects (a few exceptions e.g. Hairdressing) Grades are the key - including GCSE grades For some courses BTEC students may have an advantage due to their sector knowledge.
The importance of GCSE results GCSE achievement may become the nearest indicator of success at 18... GCSE results may also affect: choice of post-16 place / course university entrance occupational / apprenticeship entrance All are competitive - GCSE success matters!