The Exam House —

Ofqual 2021 GCSEs & A level adjustments

Ofqual 2021 GCSEs & A level adjustments

Ofqual have come to conclusion on GCSE and A level exams for 2021 in light of Covid

. In summary the key points are below.

Some change how they assess in GCSE geography, history and ancient history

  • change how assessment of GCSE English literature. Improving choice in the content to be covered.

  • should not, unless to accommodate subject specific decisions, make greater use of optional questions in exams

  • should remove the requirement for exam 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.

  • no need to have fieldwork in GCSE, AS and A level geology and AS and A level environmental science.

  • should use observation rather than activities in some science.

  • 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

  • Allow for a range of adjustments to the aaccess 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

More can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/proposed-changes-to-the-assessment-of-gcses-as-and-a-levels-in-2021