University of Huddersfield School of Education & Professional Development Change is the norm….

School of Education & Professional Development July 2007 for Sept 2008  New Secondary National Curriculum   New programmes of study have been designed to give teachers a less prescriptive, more flexible framework for teaching, creating more scope to tailor the curriculum to meet the needs of individual learners.

School of Education & Professional Development A Levels  There has been a reduction in the number of units of assessment from six to four  greater depth of understanding  reduce the assessment burden.  An A* grade will be introduced to the grading of A level (not AS)  90% or more on the uniform mark scale across their A2 units.

School of Education & Professional Development A levels  more challenging papers at A2 to develop  the skills needed for success in higher education and employment.  thinking and problem-solving skills  A broad range of question types will be included to ensure that a range of skills is assessed.  There will be a requirement for extended writing,  At A2 - more synoptic assessment, which tests  holistic understanding  ability to make links between different areas

School of Education & Professional Development A levels  The extended project is being introduced as a separate qualification that students may add to their programme.  Students will be able to carry out a project on a topic of their own choosing. This may or may not be linked to their A level subjects.  The projects will involve planning, research and evaluation, but their outcome may be a dissertation, the findings of an investigation or field study, a performance or an artefact.  It will develop research skills and independent learning skills  The new A level specifications are now available on awarding bodies’ websites.

School of Education & Professional Development GCSEs  GCSEs - revised GCSE subject criteria.  public consultation, ended on 14 September; yet to publish  Must include extended writing and more varied question types.  First teaching 2009  Watch the websites!

School of Education & Professional Development Functional skills  English, mathematics and ICT  GCSE candidates will need to have achieved a level 2 functional skills qualification in order to be awarded grade C or above in the related subject.  The functional skills pilots started in September in 1,025 centres and involve 12 awarding bodies.

School of Education & Professional Development The Diploma  Sector-specific mandatory learning in one of five industry-driven Lines of Learning, plus  stand-alone functional skills in English, mathematics and ICT.  personal, learning and thinking skills such as teamwork and self- management  a project of students’ own choosing  a minimum of 10 days' supported work experience.  The Diploma catalogues are at  The first five Diplomas are construction and the built environment; engineering; information technology; society, health and development; and creative and media  Consortia must pass through the Department for Children, Schools and Families’ Gateway process.

School of Education & Professional Development Phase  Hospitality  Environmental and land based studies  Hair and beauty studies  Business, administration and finance  Manufacturing and product design  Business Guidance at: ia/Business_1_fdn_formatted.pdf ia/Business_1_fdn_formatted.pdf