EXAMS 2022: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GCSE AND A-LEVEL EXAM PLANS
The government has released its long-awaited consultation on GCSE and A-level test reforms in 2022.
Many of the suggestions are similar to those suggested for the 2021 examinations before they were canceled.
Here’s all you need to know about it.
1-Topic selection for some GCSEs
Exam boards would provide an “option of themes outside a common core on which pupils would answer questions in the examinations” in several GCSE courses, as was intended for 2021 tests before they were canceled.
This is relevant to GCSE English literature, history, and ancient history.
The government proposes a “choice of topics outside a common core on which pupils would answer questions in the examinations” for GCSE geography.
The adjustments to geography would be in addition to the government’s already announced modifications to fieldwork assessments.
2-Most topics have advance information.
According to the government, exam boards should offer preliminary information on the “focus of the substance of the tests” in the “majority of topics” at GCSE, AS, and A level for 2022 exams.
This would apply to all courses, except for GCSE English literature, ancient history, history, geography, and GCSE, AS, and A level art and design. The government believes that providing advanced information for subjects with a choice of themes will “give an unfair advantage to pupils studying particular subjects, and might undermine the rigor and value of the qualifications.”
If the government decides not to introduce a topic or substance in specific topics, it may suggest instead providing advance information.
3-Information will be released in advance in the spring, although it may be released sooner.
According to the consultation, the government intends to release early material in the spring semester “to assist students in focusing their revision time,” according to the talk. “Should the pandemic’s impact grow, exam boards might release advance information earlier in the academic year to assist instructors to focus their remaining teaching time,” says the report.
4-Demonstration of practical science
According to the government’s proposal, teachers will demonstrate practical science work in GCSE biology, chemistry, physics, and combined science, AS biology, chemistry, physics, and geology, and AS and A level environmental science.
This means that students “may see a teacher demonstration or the actual work being done remotely, for as via watching a demonstration online or on video.” In addition, teachers will be able to assess the Common Practical Assessment Criteria (CPAC) “across the minimum number of practical activities required for students to demonstrate their competence rather than students being required to complete at least 12 practical activities as determined by the DfE subject content” for the practical endorsement for A-level biology, chemistry, physics, and geology, according to the consultation.
5-Art and design are evaluated only based on a portfolio.
According to the government, students should be judged only on their portfolios for GCSE, AS, and A-level art and design disciplines. “This means that in 2021 to 2022 when requirements include an exam board-set assignment, it will be deleted.”
6-Formulae sheet for GCSE maths in the exam room
According to the government, students doing GCSE maths should have access to a formulas sheet in the test room.
Last year, Ofqual consulted on a similar approach for the 2021 examinations, with GCSE maths being “selected as a subject where this help would be especially suitable.”
According to the consultation, a new equation sheet including “all-important equations” should be supplied in the exam room for GCSE physics and combined science in 2022.