A Levels presentation

Slide1: 

Choice and Design The New Curriculum for 11-19 Year Olds A levels and Extended Project

Slide2: 

Revised A levels and the new extended project Level 3 The objectives of this session are to: Summarise the changes to A levels Explain what the new extended project level 3 involves Outline next steps Identify the support on offer to centres

Slide3: 

Changes to A levels The changes to A levels comprise: A reduction from six units to four – to reduce the assessment burden The introduction of ‘stretch and challenge’ to assessments at A2 to better prepare students for the skills required in higher education and employment The introduction of an A* grade to the grading of A level (not AS) to reward the most exceptional candidates Some changes to subject content.

Slide4: 

What does ‘stretch and challenge’ mean? An emphasis on developing thinking and problem solving skills to help motivate pupils A broad range of question types to assess a wide range of skills A requirement for extended writing to enable pupils to demonstrate a breadth of knowledge and understanding Synoptic assessment to test understanding as a whole. How will the A* be awarded? Awarded to students who achieve a grade A overall at A level plus 90% or more on the Uniform Mark Scale across their A2 units. Changes to A levels continued

Slide5: 

Extended project Level 3 The extended project is a qualification that: Comprises a single piece of work, of the student’s choosing, that shows evidence of: planning, preparation, research and autonomous working Can be taken as a standalone qualification and it is a compulsory part of a Diploma at Level 3 Is equivalent to about half the size of an A level study programme and will be graded on a six point scale of A* to E. May include: a design; a report; a dissertation; an artefact, or, a performance Involves a taught element, independent learning and may involve group projects subject to group members’ roles being clearly identified.

Slide6: 

Extended project Level 3 continued The aims of the extended project are: To strengthen programmes of study for 16-19 year olds, testing a wider range of skills To extend planning, research and critical thinking, presentation, synthesis and evaluation skills To build continuity between A levels and Diploma Level 3 To allow choice and input into the design of an extended piece of work To provide a ‘tool kit’ of skills that better prepare students for higher education and employment

Slide7: 

Next steps New A level specifications are available from awarding bodies from September 2007 for first teaching from September 2008 Extended project level 3 is currently being piloted by Edexcel and AQA (in collaboration with City & Guilds). It will be available as a full qualification from September 2008 for students on A level programmes and on level 3 Diploma programmes Extended projects levels 1 and 2 are also being piloted in centres and full qualifications will be available September 2008

Slide8: 

Next steps for GCSE GCSEs are also being redeveloped, the criteria consultation ended on 14 September New GCSEs (except English, English literature, ICT and mathematics, science) will be developed by awarding bodies and accredited by the regulators in the summer of 2008 Specifications will be available in September 2008 for first teaching in 2009 New GCSEs in English, English literature, ICT and mathematics will be available in September 2009 for first teaching in 2010

Slide9: 

Support to centres Revised A levels – awarding bodies will provide training to centres Extended project – DCSF has commissioned QCA to develop a comprehensive training pack for centres to be made available for training sessions in spring/summer 2008 Revised GCSEs – awarding bodies will provide support to centres and QCA intends to produce case study guidance on controlled assessment by November 2008