GCSE Specifications Revised for 2009-2010/11
Helen Myers. Chair of
ALL SIG (Secondary Interest Group)
To see the process which led up to the revision, click here.
This page is for teachers who want to look at, compare and comment on the
approved specifications and
specimen papers for the first teaching from 2009 and first testing from 2010
(short course) and 20011 (full course).
It contains links to key documents and discussions. On-going discussion
takes place on the various language fora, and I will try to record key advice /
comments on this page.
I have sent the documents for checking to all
boards. As at 12/12/08, CCEA and WJEC have confirmed accuracy.
Comparison of the 5 examining boards
Version 13 edited 14/12/08
|
This is a working document of approx 50 sides
which compares the different elements of the GCSE in the form of a
table. The first version was published on Dec 5th and I anticipate
that there will be many more versions to follow!
It includes all the elements in the rows below except for the QCA
regulations.
Recommendation: print out in
colour for full benefit!
Please contact Helen Myers with any amendments. |
PowerPoint presentation of
session delivered
Dec 5th at CILT's 14-19 conference, Nottingham by Helen Myers |
This presentation includes a suggested
process fro decision-making and 'headline differences' between the
specifications. |
Checklist for managers to guide decision-making |
This checklist is advice for HODs of any
subject area. |
Checklist
of topics / themes / contexts covered
by different boards. |
This indicates that here is a great deal of
overlap between boards.
The key points are:
(1) Speaking and writing tasks MUST allow for teachers and
students to choose their own contexts / themes / topics. Don't be
'put off' a board if you don't like their samples!
(2) Edexcel stands out as the most 'different' from other boards, as the
topics for listening and reading are more closely defined. |
QCA
Grade grid broken down into strands |
This may help you to judge what 'grades' are
targeted by the boards' speaking and writing criteria. |
QCA
GCSE Criteria for all subjects |
Non-negotiable constraint for exam boards. |
QCA
GCSE ML criteria |
Non-negotiable constraint for exam boards. |
QCA
GCSE controlled conditions criteria for all subjects. |
Non-negotiable constraint for exam boards (for
ML see pages 74-78) |