Guidance

Subject-by-subject support for GCSE, AS and A level students in 2022

Overview of the support being provided for each qualification for students taking GCSEs, AS and A levels in 2022.

• From: Ofqual
• Published: 7 February 2022
• Last updated: 7 February 2022 — See all updates

Applies to England

Additional support this year

A package of support has been put in place for students taking GCSE, AS and A level qualifications in summer 2022. It is intended to make sure that we are being as fair as possible to students given the disruption they have experienced, and many continue to face, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Part of the changes includes more generous grading this year to provide a safety net for students who may have been impacted by the pandemic.

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Advance information might look different for different subjects because of how they are structured and assessed, but as far as possible the exam boards have made sure the approaches within a subject are the same.

These changes apply in England and to Ofqual regulated qualifications taken elsewhere.

Exam boards have published specific information about the changes for each qualification they offer, you should check their websites for more information:

• AQA
• OCR
• Pearson Edexcel
• WJEC Eduqas

GCSEs

Where we list changes for subjects in 2022, we only list what has changed, not what is remaining the same.

Ancient history, GCSE

Changes for 2022

1. Exams will cover less content than usual.
2. In the exams there will be a choice of topics on which students must answer questions.
3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• OCR – Ancient History (9-1)

Art and design, GCSE

Changes for 2022

1. The qualification will be assessed on the portfolio only, there will be no externally-set assignment.
2. Exam boards are allowed to carry out moderation by photographic and digital portfolio.
3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – Art and Design
• OCR – Art and Design (9-1)

Astronomy, GCSE

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Schools and colleges are allowed to deliver observational activities by demonstration.
3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• Pearson Edexcel – Astronomy (2017)

Biblical Hebrew, GCSE

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• Pearson Edexcel – Biblical Hebrew (2018)

Biology, GCSE

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Teachers can deliver practical work by demonstration.
3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – Biology
• OCR – Biology A (9-1) - Gateway Science Suite
• OCR – Biology B (9-1) - Twenty First Century Science Suite

Business, GCSE

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – Business
• OCR – Business (9-1)
• Pearson Edexcel – Business (2017)
• WJEC Eduqas – Business

Chemistry, GCSE

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Teachers can deliver practical work by demonstration.
3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – Chemistry
• OCR – Chemistry A (9-1) - Gateway Science Suite
• OCR – Chemistry B (9-1) - Twenty First Century Science Suite

Citizenship studies, GCSE

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Exam boards will provide guidance on citizenship action in a socially distanced context.
3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – Citizenship Studies
• OCR – Citizenship Studies (9-1)
• Pearson Edexcel – Citizenship Studies (2016)

Classical civilisation, GCSE

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• OCR – Classical Civilisation (9-1)

Classical Greek, GCSE

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• OCR – Classical Greek (9-1)

Combined science, GCSE

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. A revised equation sheet has been provided for teaching and learning.
3. A clean copy of the equation sheet will be provided for students in the exams.
4. Teachers can deliver practical work by demonstration.
5. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – Combined Science: Synergy
• AQA – Combined Science: Trilogy
• OCR – Science A, Combined (9-1) - Gateway Science Suite
• OCR – Science B, Combined (9-1) - Twenty First Century Science Suite
• Pearson Edexcel – Combined Science (9-1)

Computer science, GCSE

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – Computer Science
• OCR – Computer Science (9-1)
• Pearson Edexcel – Computer Science (2020)
• WJEC Eduqas – Computer Science

Dance, GCSE

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Non-exam assessment requirements have been relaxed.
3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – GCSE Dance

Design and technology, GCSE

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Non-exam assessment requirements have been relaxed.
3. Teachers can demonstrate processes and use of machinery and tools.
4. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – Design and Technology
• OCR – Design and Technology (9-1)
• Pearson Edexcel – Design and Technology (9-1) from 2017
• WJEC Eduqas – Design and Technology

Drama, GCSE

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Non-exam assessment and associated content requirements have been relaxed.
3. Students can watch streamed or recorded performances instead of live theatre and can analyse and evaluate these performances in the exams.
4. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – Drama
• OCR – Drama (9-1)
• Pearson Edexcel – Drama (2016)
• WJEC Eduqas – Drama

Economics, GCSE

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – Economics
• OCR – Economics (9-1)

Electronics, GCSE

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• WJEC Eduqas – Electronics

Engineering, GCSE

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Non-exam assessment requirements have been relaxed.
3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – Engineering

English language, GCSE

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Speaking assessment does not have to be recorded and can be conducted virtually and by a single teacher.
3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – English Language
• OCR – English Language (9-1)
• Pearson Edexcel – English Language (9-1) from 2015
• WJEC Eduqas – English Language

English literature, GCSE

Changes for 2022

1. Exams will cover less content than usual.
2. In the exams there will be a choice of topics on which students must answer questions.
3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – English Literature
• OCR – English Literature (9-1)
• Pearson Edexcel – English Literature (9-1) from 2015

Film studies, GCSE

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Non-exam assessment requirements have been relaxed.
3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• WJEC Eduqas – Film Studies

Food preparation and nutrition, GCSE

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Non-exam assessment requirements have been reduced.
3. Preparation and cooking techniques can be demonstrated by teachers.
4. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – Food Preparation and Nutrition
• OCR – Food Preparation and Nutrition (9-1)
• WJEC Eduqas – Food Preparation and Nutrition

Geography, GCSE

Changes for 2022

1. Exams will cover less content than usual.
2. In the exams there will be a choice of content on which students must answer questions.
3. There will be no questions on the student’s fieldwork experience.
4. Fieldwork requirements have been relaxed.
5. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – Geography
• OCR – Geography A (Geographical Themes) (9-1)
• OCR – Geography B (Geography for Enquiring Minds) (9-1)
• Pearson Edexcel – Geography A (9-1) from 2016
• Pearson Edexcel – Geography B (9-1) from 2016
• WJEC Eduqas – Geography, AS and A level

Geology, GCSE

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Fieldwork requirements have been relaxed.
3. Teachers can deliver practical work by demonstration.
4. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• WJEC Eduqas – Geology

History, GCSE

Changes for 2022

1. Exams will cover less content than usual.
2. In the exams there will be a choice of topics on which students must answer questions.
3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – History
• OCR – History A (Explaining the Modern World) (9-1)
• OCR – History B (Schools History Project) (9-1)
• Pearson Edexcel – History (9-1) from 2016

Latin, GCSE

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• OCR – Latin (9-1)
• WJEC Eduqas – Latin

Maths, GCSE

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. A formulae sheet has been provided for teaching and learning.
3. A clean copy of the formulae sheet will be provided for students in the exams.
4. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – Mathematics
• OCR – Mathematics (9-1)
• Pearson Edexcel – Mathematics (9-1) from 2015
• WJEC Eduqas – Maths

Media studies, GCSE

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Non-exam assessment requirements have been relaxed.
3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – Media Studies
• OCR – Media Studies (9-1)
• WJEC Eduqas – Media Studies

Modern foreign languages, GCSE

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. No requirement to use words not on the vocabulary list.
3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – Bengali
• AQA – Chinese (Spoken Mandarin)
• AQA – French
• AQA – German
• AQA – Italian
• AQA – Modern Hebrew
• AQA – Panjabi
• AQA – Polish
• AQA – Spanish
• AQA – Urdu
• Pearson Edexcel – Arabic (2017)
• Pearson Edexcel – Chinese (2017)
• Pearson Edexcel – French (2016)
• Pearson Edexcel – German (2016)
• Pearson Edexcel – Greek (2017)
• Pearson Edexcel – Gujarati (2018)
• Pearson Edexcel – Italian (2017)
• Pearson Edexcel – Japanese (2017)
• Pearson Edexcel – Persian (2018)
• Pearson Edexcel – Portuguese (2018)
• Pearson Edexcel – Russian
• Pearson Edexcel – Spanish (2016)
• Pearson Edexcel – Turkish (2018)
• Pearson Edexcel – Urdu (2017)
• WJEC Eduqas – French
• WJEC Eduqas – German
• WJEC Eduqas – Spanish

Music, GCSE

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Non-exam assessment requirements have been relaxed.
3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – Music
• OCR – Music (9-1)
• Pearson Edexcel – Music (2016)
• WJEC Eduqas – Music

Physical education, GCSE

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Non-exam assessment requirements have been relaxed.
3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – Physical Education
• OCR – Physical Education (9-1)
• Pearson Edexcel – Physical Education (2016)
• WJEC Eduqas – Physical Education

Physical education (short course), GCSE

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Non-exam assessment requirements have been relaxed.
3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• WJEC Eduqas – Physical Education (Short Course)

Physics, GCSE

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. A revised equation sheet has been provided for teaching and learning.
3. A clean copy of the equation sheet will be provided for students in the exams.
4. Teachers can deliver practical work by demonstration.
5. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – Physics
• OCR – Physics A (9-1) - Gateway Science Suite
• OCR – Physics B (9-1) - Twenty First Century Science Suite

Psychology, GCSE

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – Psychology
• OCR – Psychology (9-1)
• Pearson Edexcel – Psychology (9-1) from 2017

Religious studies, GCSE

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – Religious Studies A
• AQA – Religious Studies B
• OCR – Religious Studies (9-1)
• Pearson Edexcel – Religious Studies A (2016)
• Pearson Edexcel – Religious Studies B (2016)
• WJEC Eduqas – Religious Studies, Route A
• WJEC Eduqas – Religious Studies, Route B

Religious studies (short course), GCSE

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – Religious Studies: Short course
• WJEC Eduqas – Religious Studies (Short Course)

Sociology, GCSE

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – Sociology
• WJEC Eduqas – Sociology

Statistics, GCSE

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – Statistics
• Pearson Edexcel – Statistics (2017)

AS and A levels

Accounting, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – Accounting, A level

Ancient history, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• OCR – Ancient History, AS and A level

Art and design, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

1. The qualification will be assessed by the portfolio only, there will be no externally-set assignment.
2. Portfolios can be moderated by photographic or digital methods.
3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – Art and Design, A level
• OCR – Art and Design, AS and A level
• Pearson Edexcel – Art and Design (2015), A level

Biblical Hebrew, A level

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – Biblical Hebrew, A level

Biology, AS

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Teachers can deliver practical work by demonstration.
3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – Biology, AS
• OCR – Biology A, AS
• OCR – Biology B (Advancing Biology), AS
• Pearson Edexcel – Biology A (Salters-Nuffield) from 2015, AS
• Pearson Edexcel – Biology B (2015), AS
• WJEC Eduqas – Biology, AS

Biology, A level

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Requirements for the assessment of practical activities have been relaxed.
3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – Biology, A level
• OCR – Biology A, A level
• OCR – Biology B (Advancing Biology), A level
• Pearson Edexcel – Biology A (Salters-Nuffield) from 2015, A level
• Pearson Edexcel – Biology B (2015), A level
• WJEC Eduqas – Biology, A level

Business, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – Business, AS and A level
• OCR – Business, AS and A level
• Pearson Edexcel – Business (2015), AS and A level
• WJEC Eduqas – Business, AS and A level

Chemistry, AS

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Teachers can deliver practical work by demonstration.
3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – Chemistry, AS
• OCR – Chemistry A, AS
• OCR – Chemistry B (Salters), AS
• Pearson Edexcel – Chemistry (2015), AS
• WJEC Eduqas – Chemistry, AS

Chemistry, A level

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Requirements for the assessment of practical activities have been relaxed.
3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – Chemistry, A level
• OCR – Chemistry A, A level
• OCR – Chemistry B (Salters), A level
• Pearson Edexcel – Chemistry (2015), A level
• WJEC Eduqas – Chemistry, A level

Classical civilisation, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• OCR – Classical Civilisation, AS and A level

Classical Greek, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• OCR – Classical Greek, AS and A level

Computer science, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – Computer Science, AS and A level
• OCR – Computer Science, AS and A level
• WJEC Eduqas – Computer Science, AS and A level

Dance, A level

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Non-exam assessment requirements have been relaxed.
3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – Dance, A level

Design and technology, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Non-exam assessment requirements have been relaxed.
3. Teachers can demonstrate processes and use of machinery and tools.
4. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – Design and Technology: Fashion and Textiles, A level
• AQA – Design and Technology: Product Design, A level
• OCR – Design and Technology, AS and A level
• Pearson Edexcel – Design and Technology - Product Design (2017), A level
• WJEC Eduqas – Design and Technology, AS and A level

Drama and theatre, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Non-exam assessment and associated content requirements have been relaxed.
3. Students are allowed to watch streamed or recorded performances instead of live theatre and can analyse and evaluate these performances in the exams.
4. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – Drama and Theatre, A level
• OCR – Drama and Theatre, AS and A level
• Pearson Edexcel – Drama and Theatre (2016), A level
• WJEC Eduqas – Drama and Theatre, AS and A level

Economics, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – Economics, AS and A level
• OCR – Economics, AS and A level
• Pearson Edexcel – Economics A (2015), AS and A level
• Pearson Edexcel – Economics B (2015), A level
• WJEC Eduqas – Economics, AS and A level

Electronics, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• WJEC Eduqas – Electronics, AS and A level

English language, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – English Language, AS and A level
• OCR – English Language, AS and A level
• Pearson Edexcel – English Language (2015), AS and A level
• WJEC Eduqas – English Language, AS and A level

English language and literature, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – English Language and Literature, A level
• OCR – English Language and Literature (EMC), AS and A level
• Pearson Edexcel – English Language and Literature (2015), AS and A level
• WJEC Eduqas – English Language and Literature, AS and A level

English literature, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – English Literature A, AS and A level
• AQA – English Literature B, AS and A level
• OCR – English Literature, AS and A level
• Pearson Edexcel – English Literature (2015), AS and A level
• WJEC Eduqas – English Literature, A level

Environmental science, A level

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Fieldwork requirements have been relaxed.
3. Teachers can deliver practical work by demonstration.
4. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – Environmental Science, A level

Film studies, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Non-exam assessment requirements have been relaxed.
3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• OCR – Film Studies, AS and A level
• WJEC Eduqas – Film Studies, AS and A level

Further maths, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – Further Mathematics, A level
• AQA – Further Mathematics, AS
• OCR – Mathematics A, Further, AS and A level
• OCR – Mathematics B (MEI), Further, AS and A level
• Pearson Edexcel – Further Mathematics (2017), AS and A level

Geography, AS

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. There will be no questions on the student’s fieldwork experience.
3. Fieldwork requirements have been relaxed.
4. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – Geography, AS
• OCR – Geography, AS
• Pearson Edexcel – Geography (2016), AS

Geography, A level

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Fieldwork requirements have been relaxed.
3. Exam boards will review their guidance relating to primary data for the independent investigation.
4. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – Geography, A level
• OCR – Geography, A level
• Pearson Edexcel – Geography (2016), A level

Geology, AS

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Fieldwork requirements have been relaxed.
3. Teachers can deliver practical work by demonstration.
4. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• OCR – Geology, AS
• WJEC Eduqas – Geology, AS

Geology, A level

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Fieldwork requirements have been relaxed.
3. Requirements for the assessment of practical activities have been relaxed.
4. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• OCR – Geology, A level
• WJEC Eduqas – Geology, A level

History, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – History, AS and A level
• OCR – History A, AS and A level
• Pearson Edexcel – History (2015), AS and A level

History of art, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• Pearson Edexcel – History of Art (2017), A level

Latin, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• OCR – Latin, AS and A level

Law, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – Law, A level
• OCR – Law, AS and A level
• WJEC Eduqas – Law, AS and A level

Maths, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – Mathematics, A level
• AQA – Mathematics, AS
• OCR – Mathematics A, AS and A level
• OCR – Mathematics B (MEI), AS and A level
• Pearson Edexcel – Mathematics (2017), AS and A level

Media studies, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Non-exam assessment requirements have been relaxed.
3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – Media Studies, A level
• OCR – Media Studies, AS and A level
• WJEC Eduqas – Media Studies, AS and A level

Modern foreign languages, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – Bengali (Listening, Reading, Writing), A level
• AQA – French, A level
• AQA – French, AS
• AQA – German, A level
• AQA – German, AS
• AQA – Modern Hebrew (Listening, Reading, Writing), A level
• AQA – Panjabi (Listening, Reading, Writing), A level
• AQA – Polish (Listening, Reading, Writing), A level
• AQA – Spanish, A level
• AQA – Spanish, AS
• Pearson Edexcel – Arabic (2018), A level
• Pearson Edexcel – Chinese (2017), A level
• Pearson Edexcel – French (2016), A level
• Pearson Edexcel – German (2016), A level
• Pearson Edexcel – Greek (2018), A level
• Pearson Edexcel – Gujarati (2018), A level
• Pearson Edexcel – Italian (2017), A level
• Pearson Edexcel – Japanese (2018), A level
• Pearson Edexcel – Persian (2018), A level
• Pearson Edexcel – Portuguese (2018), A level
• Pearson Edexcel – Russian (2017), A level
• Pearson Edexcel – Spanish (2016), A level
• Pearson Edexcel – Turkish (2018), A level
• Pearson Edexcel – Urdu (2018), A level
• WJEC Eduqas – French, AS and A level
• WJEC Eduqas – German, AS and A level
• WJEC Eduqas – Spanish, AS and A level

Music, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Non-exam assessment requirements have been relaxed.
3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – Music, A level
• OCR – Music, AS and A level
• Pearson Edexcel – Music (2016), A level
• WJEC Eduqas – Music, AS and A level

Music technology, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Non-exam assessment requirements have been reduced and relaxed.
3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• Pearson Edexcel – Music Technology (2017), AS and A level

Philosophy, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – Philosophy, A level

Physical education, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Non-exam assessment requirements have been relaxed.
3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – Physical Education, A level
• OCR – Physical Education, AS and A level
• Pearson Edexcel – Physical Education (2016), A level
• WJEC Eduqas – Physical Education, AS and A level

Physics, AS

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Teachers can deliver practical work by demonstration.
3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – Physics, AS
• OCR – Physics A, AS
• OCR – Physics B (Advancing Physics), AS
• Pearson Edexcel – Physics (2015), AS
• WJEC Eduqas – Physics, AS

Physics, A level

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Requirements for the assessment of practical activities have been relaxed.
3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – Physics, A level
• OCR – Physics A, A level
• OCR – Physics B (Advancing Physics), A level
• Pearson Edexcel – Physics (2015), A level
• WJEC Eduqas – Physics, A level

Politics, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – Politics, A level
• Pearson Edexcel – Politics (2017), AS and A level

Psychology, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – Psychology, AS and A level
• OCR – Psychology, AS and A level
• Pearson Edexcel – Psychology (2015), AS and A level
• WJEC Eduqas – Psychology, AS and A level

Religious studies, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – Religious Studies, A level
• AQA – Religious Studies, AS
• OCR – Religious Studies, AS and A level
• Pearson Edexcel – Religious Studies (2016), AS and A level
• WJEC Eduqas – Religious Studies, AS and A level

Sociology, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• AQA – Sociology, AS and A level
• OCR – Sociology, AS and A level
• WJEC Eduqas – Sociology, AS and A level

Statistics, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

• Pearson Edexcel – Statistics (2017), A level

Background to these changes

Full details of the changes we have made to our rules can be found in the decisions for the consultations ‘Proposed changes to the assessment of GCSEs, AS and A levels in 2022’ and ‘Arrangements for non-exam assessment for qualifications in 2022’.

Vocational and technical qualifications

Where needed, [awarding organisations are allowed to make adaptations to assessments and qualifications due to the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Schools and colleges have already been told what these changes will be, and you should speak to your school or college for further details about your specific qualification.

Accessible version of diagram

Generous grading

Exams will be graded more generously this year providing a safety net for students.

Changes to coursework

Non-exam assessment and fieldwork requirements adjusted, with flexibility in some subjects.

Optional content

There will be less content or fewer topics for students to learn in some GCSEs.

Support materials

Students will get formulae and equation sheets in some exams and won’t have to memorise as much.

Advance information

Exam boards will give information on the focus of exams for most subjects to help students revise.

Published 7 February 2022
Last updated 7 February 2022 + show all updates

1. 7 February 2022

   Links through to the detailed information from each exam board have been added to each subject.

2. 7 February 2022

   First published.