GCSE results and reshaping the

assessment framework

2012

Contents

1.GCSE Results, 2012

2.Stronger together, the importance of SSAT and partner networks

3.New proposals

4.Consultation responses

5.The alternatives

Context

• Why AQA and Edexcel? • Why English? Why C/D?• The comparable outcomes agenda• Impact• More than one debate, more than one agenda

Working together

• SSAT principals’ forum• Consortium of professional bodies• September conference• Legal challenge• Consultation response

KS4 qualifications reform, but . . .

• Pedagogy before assessment• One size does not fit all• What are the alternatives?• What is the place of the arts?• Vocational and technical pathways

KS4 qualifications reform: the proposals

‘Reformed, more rigorous qualifications’

•End the race to the bottom (schools and boards)•One subject, one board•EBCs or a Statement of Achievement•P16 funding cuts to persuade EBC take-up•Restrict as far as possible controlled assessment, coursework etc•Remove opportunities to teach to the test (limit past papers, mark schemes, examiner reports etc)•‘Vigorously discourage’ exam aids (eg calculator, periodic tables, source material)

English Baccalaureate Certificates• EBCs aim to identify student’s

literacy and numeracy levels Understanding of subject Readiness to move on to further study

• E,M,S: start 2015; exam2017• H,G,MFL: dates depend on consultation

• Aligned to the best international standards• ‘Almost universal’ qualification• Tiering will be stopped ‘to increase motivation & attainment’• 90% pass rate?• New grade scales• Remove internal assessment from all 6 EB subjects

What are the alternatives?

• Modbac, Techbac• Professional school• No exams at 16? Some?• Schools Board Certificate

• …?