1. Changes to GCSE Grading
Roger McCune, Head of CCEA Regulation

2. Update on Timelines/Progress
Reformed GCSEs graded 9 to 1 first awarded in Summer 2017 on a phased introduction-process will be ‘completed’ by Summer 2019
Revised CCEA GCSEs still graded A*-G, but with introduction of C* Grade and realignment of A*, first awarded (at qualifications level) in Summer 2019
WJEC GCSEs (Wales)no changes to grading

4. Comparing GCSE Grading

5. Comparing GCSE Grading
Key comparison points
A*/ 9
A / 7
C / 4
G / 1
When comparing 9-1 GCSE results (JCQ)
Grade 4 and above equivalent to Grade C and above
Grade 7 and above equivalent to Grade A and above

6. Effect on GCSE results 9-1 GCSEs
Fewer top grades (9s rather than A*s)-more like 3/4% rather than 6/7%
CCEA A*-G GCSEs
Fewer A* grades -CCEA A* aligned with Grade 9
Fewer B grades (extra grade C*)

7. GCSE Grading communication plan
4 key messages:
Why GCSE grading is changing
Ensuring stakeholders know about the grading and can make comparisons
Ensuring stakeholders understand the effect on outcomes
Timescales for the introduction of the new grading scales
4 key stakeholder groups:
Users (learners/ parents /employers / HE)
Providers (schools / colleges/ training organisations)
Government departments/ETI
Government agencies / ALBs/careers bodies

8. Engagement with Stakeholders
45 events, including:
Teachers, students, parents, employers, CBI, ETI, UCAS, universities, FE colleges
Resources:
GCSE grading site – over 20,000 visits
Video – over 9,000 views in November 2018
GCSE grading leaflets (100,000 printed) – distributed to all post-primary schools
HE Guide planned for early 2019 – for admissions tutors in universities

9. HE Guide Produced by Purpose Audience
CCEA, as the qualifications regulator, with input from universities, government departments and UCAS
Purpose
universities in UK and Ireland (particularly outside NI) understand NI students GCSE grades
Audience
Admissions tutors in UK/Irish universities

10. HE Guide-continued Distribution Publication date
Work with UCAS and individual universities to distribute the HE Guide, targeting those universities to which NI students apply
Publication date
Required for entrance cycle 2021, published spring 2019

11. Where can I get more information?
GCSE Grading site
GCSE Grading Guide

12. GCSE/A Level Awarding
Awarding is done at cohort level – implications for students at centre level and for individual learners
Cohort changes – implications for grade outcomes

13. Grade Outcomes
Percentages for England (JCQ statistics) for Summer 2018
A*/A C (and above) G (and above)
Mathematics % % %
English Language % % %
Mathematics % % %
English Language % % %

14. Goodbye
‘Head (teachers) have powers at their disposal with which Prime Ministers have never yet been invested’
My best wishes to you all