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16/06/2010
Ofqual 'Rejects' New Science GCSEs
Exam boards have "not gone far enough" to redraft new science GCSEs after Ofqual said they are still not hard enough.
Ofqual has sent the new-look science exams back to the awarding organisations for more work to bring them up to the required standards.
The new GCSE science qualifications are being developed after Ofqual found serious causes for concern when monitoring the version of the qualifications used in 2007 and 2008, and still in use today. Ofqual asked for changes to be made to the current qualifications and for new ones to be designed.
Kathleen Tattersall, Chair of Ofqual and Chief Regulator, said: "Ofqual's job is to make sure that standards are maintained. If qualifications do not meet our standards, we can not accept them into the regulated system.
"Learners, teachers, employers and universities look for the independent regulator’s stamp of approval as assurance that qualifications are rigorous, demanding and fair. I look forward to receiving improved GCSE science qualifications that meet our requirements.
"Schools are expecting detailed information about the new qualifications in time to prepare for first teaching in September 2011. Ofqual hopes that that will still be possible, but progress will depend on the quality of the revised qualifications.
"In the meantime, improvements have been built in to the current version, and the regulators will make sure that grades awarded this summer are appropriate and fair."
(CD/GK)
Ofqual has sent the new-look science exams back to the awarding organisations for more work to bring them up to the required standards.
The new GCSE science qualifications are being developed after Ofqual found serious causes for concern when monitoring the version of the qualifications used in 2007 and 2008, and still in use today. Ofqual asked for changes to be made to the current qualifications and for new ones to be designed.
Kathleen Tattersall, Chair of Ofqual and Chief Regulator, said: "Ofqual's job is to make sure that standards are maintained. If qualifications do not meet our standards, we can not accept them into the regulated system.
"Learners, teachers, employers and universities look for the independent regulator’s stamp of approval as assurance that qualifications are rigorous, demanding and fair. I look forward to receiving improved GCSE science qualifications that meet our requirements.
"Schools are expecting detailed information about the new qualifications in time to prepare for first teaching in September 2011. Ofqual hopes that that will still be possible, but progress will depend on the quality of the revised qualifications.
"In the meantime, improvements have been built in to the current version, and the regulators will make sure that grades awarded this summer are appropriate and fair."
(CD/GK)
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