Ofqual hosts A level briefing
Thursday, 20 May 2010 11:02
This year sees some significant changes to A levels. Ofqual hosted a briefing to talk about these changes and the work being done to maintain standards and ensure that this summer's results are fair to all candidates.
The briefing, which took place in central London on Tuesday, May 18, detailed the changes made to A levels and the work undertaken by Ofqual, its regulatory partners (DCELLS in Wales and CCEA in Northern Ireland) and the awarding bodies to ensure that grades awarded this year are comparable to the same grades awarded in previous years.
Information discussed included:
- How the awarding process works
- The role of the regulators
- Changes to A level specifications
- Specific work done to safeguard standards through the changes
- How the new A* will be awarded
- Some expectations for A* awards based on last year’s results
The new A level specifications are made up of four units rather than six. The examinations also feature more 'stretch and challenge', meaning a wider range of question types and more questions requiring extended answers, designed to give more able candidates more opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge. This summer will also see the introduction of the new A* grade at A level.
The presentation given at the briefing is included below, along with further information in the documents:
(If you cannot view the presentation above try this alternate version)
A level briefing commentary, (18th May 2010)
Modeling for summer 2010 A levels based on the results of the 2009 cohort
