Transcript HY Progression Forum 14th November 2012

Teesside University
Supporting Progression
Conference
Changes in 14-19 Qualifications and
Study Programmes
John Thompson
Principal Adviser 14-19
14–19 Team
Key issues
 Government policy objectives
 KS4 Qualification Reform
 A level Reform
 Other post 16 Qualifications
 16-19 Study Programmes and 16-19 Funding
14–19 Team
White Paper (November 2010)
 National Curriculum review (focus on the core
subject knowledge every child and young person
should gain at each stage of their education)
 “Proper assessment” at each transitional stage
 Introduction of the English Baccalaureate in Key
Stage 4
 Reform of Vocational Education following the
Wolf Report
14–19 Team
KS4 Qualifications reform
Old news:
 Restricted list of “high quality” vocational
qualifications which can be included in
performance tables (updated Nov 2012)
 Only 2 non GCSEs to count towards 5+A*-C
 Encouragement of EBacc combination (English,
Maths, 2 x Science, humanity, language)
14–19 Team
KS4 Qualifications reform
New news:
 Reforming KS4 Qualifications (Sept 2012)
 English Baccalaureate Certificates:
Single awarding body for each subject
Higher standards
No coursework or exam aids
Not for all young people
14–19 Team
And then....
 Weds 30th January: Computer Science to be
included as an additional option in the EBacc
 Tuesday 5th Feb: “Downton Abbey” Speech
 Thursday 7th Feb: “A bridge too far” including
“new GCSEs”, National Curriculum Frameworks
and school accountability consultation
14–19 Team
“New” GCSEs
 Same size and for same pupils as now
 Linear and offered by awarding bodies as now
 Internal Assessment to be kept to a minimum
 Exam aids restricted
 Tiering to be avoided in favour of flexible forms
of assessment eg. extension papers
 New grading scale to be considered
14–19 Team
“New” GCSEs (2)
 English to include both language and literature
but not a combined option, Science to include a
combined option (double only)
 Consider benefits of additional feedback on top
of a raw grade, especially In English and maths
to support transition to post 16
 Consider post season review (as per A Levels)
14–19 Team
“New” GCSEs (3)
 English, Eng. Lit, maths, biology, chemisty,
physics, combined science, geography, history
for 2015 (it may be possible for more subjects to
be offered then)
 All other subjects 2016
 Schools to have “at least a year” to prepare
14–19 Team
Accountability
 New measures for English and maths
 “Average 8” measure of overall performance
 Introduction for 2017 with potential for some
changes in 2015 & 2016
 “Average 8” to include En, ma, any three other
Ebacc subjects and any three other “high value”
subjects (inc. on the “counting list”)
 Consultation to 1st May
14–19 Team
A Level reforms
 Ofqual announcement on 9th November and SoS
announcement on 22nd January
 Linear model with end of course exams only
 Removal of January exams and reduced resit
opportunities (from Sept 2013)
 Free standing AS level, not contributing to A
Level grade
 First new A Levels “in facilitating subjects”
available for Sept 2015
14–19 Team
Other post 16 qualifications
 Consultation open till May
 Criteria (similar to KS4) for qualifications to be
included in performance tables
 “Occupational” – to equip young people for a
skilled trade or occupation
 “Applied General” – more general vocational
qualifications enabling progression to further
study (including HE)
14–19 Team
16-19 Study Programmes & Funding
 Year on year cuts in funding at per learner level over 4
year CSR period (and beyond ?)
 From September 2013 funding is per learner rather than
per qualification, banded according to hours in learning
 Greater flexibility to include Work Experience and non
qualification activity
 Requirement to continue study of En, ma if A*-C GCSE
has not been achieved in Y11
 Should be “little change” for A level, IB and Level 3
vocational programmes
14–19 Team
Implications
 Smaller sixth forms with reduced options ?
 Narrowing of KS4 options with consequent
reduction in progression options post 16 ?
 Concerns over ABB and implications for “mixed
programmes” of the cap
 Reduction in range of subjects and qualifications
presented by applicants to HE ?
14–19 Team
Teesside University
Supporting Progression
Conference
John Thompson
Principal Adviser 14-19
[email protected]
14–19 Team