Facilitating the Transition to the New A Levels Rob Peacock Carmel College

History Long history of success with modular A levels Removal of January exam 2015 A level results: Pass rate: 99.3% A*-B: 58.3% A*: 10.6% 3 Year ALPS T grade 2

The Advantages of Modularity Recognising and rewarding progress Identifying and addressing underperformance Building confidence: particularly disadvantaged Raising aspirations and achievements The opportunity to resit Views of HE Cambridge Medical Schools

College Response Embrace linearity! Why? No AS for new specifications Why? Assessment methodology at AS and A Level Views of some staff/subjects Increased teaching time “Smelling the roses” Increased resilience? Cost: £140K pa Reduction in the number doing 4 subjects

Challenges Culture Perceptions 16+ years of modularity 25% teachers with no experience of linearity in own education 44% teachers no experience of teaching linear A levels Perceptions Public HE

Aims Overcoming the practical challenges of phased implementation Providing solid enrolment advice for pupils choosing their A Level options Supporting pupils and building confidence in the absence of modular exams and coursework Developing solutions for students who rethink their choices during the teaching of a two year course

Overcoming the Practical Challenges of Phased Implementation Scene setting Discussion Internal assessment Staff development time College calendar Evolution not revolution Protect external exams Lack of exam board materials Training events

Providing solid enrolment advice for pupils choosing their A Level options Advice and guidance on enrolment 2 year courses Impact of change in proportion doing 4 subjects Improved in year retention in subject Maintaining good retention between L6 and U6 Change culture

Supporting pupils and building confidence in the absence of modular exams and coursework Positivity and self belief Understanding progress Target grades Structured rigorous approach to assessment October January June Building skills and measuring progress Marking time Consultation with students, parents and guardians The way forward

Developing solutions for students who rethink their choices during the teaching of a two year course Maintaining good retention between L6 and U6 AS Exams Alternative courses General Studies Critical Thinking EPQ

Perspectives Staff Students

The Future Change to the College year? Currently finish July 7th Do we extend? AS levels Review in the light of experience

Facilitating the Transition to the New A Levels Questions?