1. Information for Parents
New GCSE Timeline and Grading Structure
Information for Parents
Sept 2015

2. Introduction
GCSE qualifications are being reformed. The new subjects are being introduced gradually, with the first wave (English and Maths) being taught from September Reformed GCSEs will have a new grading scale from 9 to 1.
The new GCSE in Maths and English applies to pupils currently in Year 9 and Year 10.

3. When will each subject be affected by the new GCSEs?
Phase 1 – Maths, English and English Literature (Current Year 10 – GCSEs to be taken from 2017 onwards. )
Phase 2 – Science, History, Geography, MFL, Art, Music, Food, Drama, Computer Science, PE and RE (current Year 9 – GCSEs to be taken 2018 onwards.)
Phase 3 – other subjects inc: DT, Business Studies (current Year 8 – GCSEs to be taken 2019 onwards.)

4. Key Points by OFQUAL Chief Regulator – Glenys Stacey
Grade 5 – in line with the average grade of high performing countries.
Key Points by OFQUAL Chief Regulator – Glenys Stacey
Broadly, the same proportion of students will achieve a grade 4 and above as currently achieve a grade C and above.
Broadly the same proportion of students will achieve a grade 7 and above as currently achieve an A and above.
For each exam, the top 20 per cent of those who get grade 7 or above will get a grade 9.
Grade 5 is positioned in the top third of the marks for a current grade C and bottom third of the marks for a current grade B.

5. Setting Targets KS2 SCORE NEW GCSE 2017 POINT SCORE 6b 9 6c 8 5a 5b 7
Targets are set according to a pupil’s achievement at KS2.
For Maths and English a pupil’s Key Stage 2 score in Maths and Reading is used, for all other subjects (once they are introduced from September 2016 onwards) an average of their Maths and Reading KS2 score is used.
KS2 SCORE
NEW GCSE 2017 POINT SCORE 6b 9 6c 8 5a 5b 7 5c
4a 4b 6 4c 5 3 4
2/B/N  2 1

6. Tracking Progress
Once targets are set, pupils will have their own ‘progress ladder’ to climb year on year to help stay on track, according to their KS2 score.
The ladder below shows the progress steps they need to make by the end of each year.
End of Year Target
KS2 Level
Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
Year 10
Year 11 6b
Mid 4
Mid 5
High 6
Low 8 9 6c
Low 4
Low 5
Mid 6
High 7 8 5a
Mid 3
High 5
Low 7 5b 7 5c
Low 3
Low 6
4a/4b
High 2 6 4c
Low 2
High 3
High 4 5 3
High 1 4 2b
Mid 1

7. Example of a pupil’s progression path.

8. Any questions?
At Parents’ Evenings we will have more information on our new grading and assessment procedures.
If you have any queries, please get in touch: with either Mr Blade, Ms Jones or Miss Briscoe.