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Teesside University Supporting Progression Conference. Changes in 14-19 Qualifications and Study Programmes John Thompson Principal Adviser 14-19. Key issues. Government policy objectives KS4 Qualification Reform A level Reform Other post 16 Qualifications
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Teesside UniversitySupporting Progression Conference Changes in 14-19 Qualifications and Study Programmes John Thompson Principal Adviser 14-19
Key issues • Government policy objectives • KS4 Qualification Reform • A level Reform • Other post 16 Qualifications • 16-19 Study Programmes and 16-19 Funding
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
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)
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
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
“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
“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)
“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
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
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
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)
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
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 ?
Teesside UniversitySupporting Progression Conference John Thompson Principal Adviser 14-19 john.thompson@york.gov.uk