GCSEs - Background
Why are GCSEs changing?
Most GCSEs, including applied subjects, are being revised for first teaching from September 2009. This is part of the government's reform of 14–19 education. The changes are designed to ensure that the content of specifications supports the aim of the revised secondary curriculum.
In addition, coursework will be replaced with controlled assessment and, for some subjects, assessment will be purely through written examinations.
Some GCSE subjects are not being revised to this timetable. These are:
- English, English Literature (to be revised for first teaching from September 2010)
- ICT, including Applied ICT (to be revised for first teaching from September 2010)
- Mathematics (to be revised for first teaching from September 2010)
- Science, except for Environmental Science, Electronics and Human Physiology and Health.
Our draft specifications, specimen question papers and mark schemes have been submitted to QCA. They have all been accredited and final specifications and specimen materials will be published here shortly.
