Change is the norm

1
Change is the norm.
2
July 2007 for Sept 2008

• New Secondary National Curriculum
• http//curriculum.qca.org.uk/index.aspx
• New programmes of study have been designed to
  give teachers a less prescriptive, more flexible
  framework for teaching, creating more scope to
  tailor the curriculum to meet the needs of
  individual learners.

3
A Levels - 2008

• There has been a reduction in the number of units
  of assessment from six to four
• greater depth of understanding
• reduce the assessment burden.
• An A grade will be introduced to the grading of
  A level (not AS)
• 90 or more on the uniform mark scale across
  their A2 units.

4
A levels

• more challenging papers at A2 to develop
• the skills needed for success in higher education
  and employment.
• thinking and problem-solving skills
• A broad range of question types will be included
  to ensure that a range of skills is assessed.
• There will be a requirement for extended writing,
  
• At A2 - more synoptic assessment, which tests
• holistic understanding
• ability to make links between different areas

5
A levels

• The extended project is being introduced as a
  separate qualification that students may add to
  their programme.
• Students will be able to carry out a project on a
  topic of their own choosing. This may or may not
  be linked to their A level subjects.
• The projects will involve planning, research and
  evaluation, but their outcome may be a
  dissertation, the findings of an investigation or
  field study, a performance or an artefact.
• It will develop research skills and independent
  learning skills
• The new A level specifications are now available
  on awarding bodies websites.

6
GCSEs - 2009

• GCSEs - revised GCSE subject criteria.
• public consultation, ended on 14 September yet
  to publish
• Must include extended writing and more varied
  question types.
• First teaching 2009
• Watch the websites!

7
Functional skills - 2010

• English, mathematics and ICT
• GCSE candidates will need to have achieved a
  level 2 functional skills qualification in order
  to be awarded grade C or above in the related
  subject.
• The functional skills pilots started in September
  in 1,025 centres and involve 12 awarding bodies.

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The Diploma - 2008

• Sector-specific mandatory learning in one of five
  industry-driven Lines of Learning, plus
• stand-alone functional skills in English,
  mathematics and ICT.
• personal, learning and thinking skills such as
  teamwork and self-management
• a project of students own choosing
• a minimum of 10 days' supported work experience.
• The Diploma catalogues are at www.accreditedqualif
  ications.org.uk
• The first five Diplomas are construction and the
  built environment engineering information
  technology society, health and development and
  creative and media
• Consortia must pass through the Department for
  Children, Schools and Families Gateway process.

9
Phase 2 - 2009

• Hospitality
• Environmental and land based studies
• Hair and beauty studies
• Business, administration and finance
• Manufacturing and product design
• Business Guidance at http//www.qca.org.uk/librar
  yAssets/media/Business_1_fdn_formatted.pdf