Decisions following consultation on AS and A level subjects
Ofqual has confirmed the assessment arrangements for AS and A level subjects including modern foreign languages, maths and geography.
The decisions follow a consultation on assessment arrangements for reformed qualifications which will be taught for the first time in 2016.
Today’s announcement covers AS and A levels in the following subjects:
- ancient languages
- geography
- mathematics
- further mathematics
- modern foreign languages
Although AS/A level mathematics and further mathematics are included in this consultation, these subjects have now been postponed and will not be taught until September 2017.
Ofqual has produced a short document explaining the decisions it has taken on the assessment arrangements for these qualifications. The key decisions are summarised below.
The consultation also included proposals for GCSEs, AS and A levels in the subjects listed below:
- GCSE: Art and design, computer science, dance, music and physical education
- AS and A level: dance, music and physical education
Ofqual will announce its decisions on the assessment arrangements for these subjects in early 2015.
Summary of decisions
- Some minor changes have been made to the assessment objectives for the subjects listed above. The final assessment objectives can be viewed on the Ofqual website.
- The balance of exam and non-exam assessment for new qualifications in these subjects is detailed in the table below.
| Subject | AS weighting of non-exam assessment | A level weighting of non-exam assessment |
|---|---|---|
| ancient languages | None | None |
| further mathematics | None | None |
| geography | None | 20% |
| mathematics | None | None |
| modern foreign languages | 30% | 30% |
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Notes:
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You can read the consultation outcome here
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Department for Education is publishing the final content requirements for these subjects.
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These content requirements and assessment arrangements will be incorporated into Ofqual’s regulatory framework as part of the subject-level conditions for these qualifications.
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ALCAB has also today published its reports on these subject as it advised government on their content.
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Ofqual has recently consulted on proposed assessment arrangements for the subjects listed below, which are also planned for first teaching in 2016. The outcomes of these consultations will be announced in early 2015.
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GCSEs in citizenship studies, cooking and nutrition, design and technology, drama and religious studies.
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A level and AS qualifications in drama and theatre, and religious studies.