Reformed English and Maths GCSEs AOSEC 18 November 2015 Phil Beach CBE Director Strategic Relationships

National Reference Test

New GCSEs – Summary of Changes Content – new, more demanding content, which has been developed by government and the exam boards. Structure – linear, with all exams in the summer at the end of the course. Resits of the whole qualification available in November for GCSEs in maths and English language only, for those aged 16+ Assessment – exam where possible, other forms of assessment only where necessary to assess essential subject skills Tiered assessments – only where necessary Grading – new numbered scale from 9 to 1 (plus U), 9 is the highest. Clearer differentiation at the higher end of grading.

Grade Descriptors The ‘grade descriptors’ for new GCSE English and Mathematics. Are different from ‘grade descriptions’ for current GCSEs Give ‘likely level of expected mid-point performance’ (grades 2, 5, 8). Informed by International performance descriptors but; Based on the relevant DfE subject content. But These descriptors are not designed to be used for awarding in Statistical predictions will be used for awarding in 2017.

Key Features of English and Maths (first exams 2017) Maths. A new ‘big GCSE’ in maths Around a third more content. A stronger emphasis on problem solving. A more challenging qualification. Tiered (with grades 4 and 5 available through both tiers), exam only English literature Not tiered, exam only English language Not tiered, exam only, except: Speaking assessment will be reported separately.

GCSE Maths Grade Descriptors Grade 5 To achieve grade 5, candidates will be able to: perform routine single- and multi-step procedures effectively by recalling, applying and interpreting notation, terminology, facts, definitions and formulae interpret and communicate information effectively make deductions, inferences and draw conclusions construct chains of reasoning, including arguments generate strategies to solve mathematical and non-mathematical problems by translating them into mathematical processes, realising connections between different parts of mathematics interpret results in the context of the given problem evaluate methods and results

GCSE Maths Mark distributions for the sample assessment materials tested in Study 2

GCSE English Spoken English Externally and/or internally assessed. Levels of achievement: Pass, Merit and Distinction. One outcome if standard not met; Not Classified Exam boards will monitor the assessment of spoken language through audio-visual recordings of a sample of students We are now consulting on: Schools providing a written statement indicating that they have taken reasonable steps to ensure that their students have undertaken the spoken language assessment; Reporting all outcomes on certificates, including Not Classified; the rules and guidance needed to put in place our decisions.

New Ofqual GCSE Grading System

Find out more Visit Questions? call Ofqual’s helpdesk – – tweet For more information on curriculum and content, contact the Department for Education

Reformed English and Maths GCSEs AOSEC 18 November 2015 Phil Beach CBE Director Strategic Relationships