Ofqual GCSE reform

Ofqual have announced their plans for GCSE reform , which include an end to modular examination and marks for spelling, punctuation and grammar.

The Government is planning to make longer-term changes to GCSE syllabuses and exam requirements to reflect the new National Curriculum - focusing on the essential knowledge in key subjects and in-depth study.

Under the proposals:

  • Students starting two-year GCSE courses starting in September 2012 will have to sit their exams at the end of the course in summer 2014.
  • Pupils will no longer be able to re-sit individual unit exams in order to boost their marks – although they may retake the whole GCSE exam. Students will, however, be given an early opportunity to resit maths, English and English Language GCSEs every November because these are key subjects needed to progress to further study or employment.
  • Students will be marked on the accuracy of spelling, punctuation and grammar and their use of specialist terms. In the first instance, these will be those subjects that involve extended writing - English Literature, geography, history and religious studies. Five per cent of total marks in these subjects will be for spelling, punctuation and grammar. Marks assessing written communication skills already exist in English and English Language. The changes will affect externally assessed units from September 2012.


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