The effect of applying a hurdle on a component of GCSE English: investigation of Functional Skills
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The 2005 White Paper announced reforms which will require students to master functional skills in GCSE English and mathematics and also as a part of a new general (GCSE) Diploma. This diploma will recognise the achievement of five GCSEs at grade A*-C including English and mathematics.
For students who achieve the functional element only of GCSE, that achievement will be separately certificated. A review of coursework is also taking place in order to reduce the assessment load of GCSE.
The current report focuses on the effects on discriminating power if a GCSE English examination were to consist of only one written paper and a Functional Skills paper with a hurdle, with the coursework being assumed to be dropped because of the review of the demands of the coursework assessment load initiated by the White Paper.
Fearnley, A. (2006). The effect of applying a hurdle on a component of GCSE English: investigation of Functional Skills. Manchester: AQA Centre for Education Research and Practice.