Grade descriptors for the new science GCSEs – now you have all the information you need

This vital information might have passed you by – a cynic could suggest that is why this information was released on the last week of term without much of a fanfare.  Grade boundaries must be one of the most commonly asked questions about the new GCSEs. The information is here so now we have all the information we …

The dark art of predicting GCSE grades

  It’s that time of year when I check the weather forecast before I leave the house with my dog because I don’t want to get soaked.  Generally the forecasts are accurate but if the forecast says it will rain at 11, sometimes it rains sooner and sometimes it rains later.  That’s the nature of …

SEN learners and the new science GCSEs

Since I wrote my last posts  about the new GCSEs (here and here) I’ve had several people get in touch to seek advice or ask what we are doing.  I’ve written this post to provide an update. Background When the new KS3 curriculum came in we decided to shadow Activate science (I say shadow because I …

Why you need to read the final report of the commission for assessment without levels

Only a few days ago the Commission for assessment without levels published its final report.  I’ve written recently about assessment without levels and I know schools are struggling to come to terms with the next steps. I would suggest that teachers at all levels read the report, because replacing levels is going to require a system that works …

Assessment without levels – where are you now?

Along with the new National Curriculum came the news that the levels were to be no more.  Of course we know that they were far from perfect, but many teachers have known nothing else and the thought of replacing them with something unknown strike fear into the hearts of the most experienced teacher. Last year we …

Assessment without levels

Background National Curriculum levels were consigned to the history books last September or so was the intention of the government when it launched its new curriculum.  I’ve been in contact with science teachers all over the country and most are still gathering information about what assessment should look like and formulating a way forward. I’ve …

#ASEchat summary – Planning for the new national curriculum and assessment without levels

A transcript of the chat can be found here. Although a similar topic was discussed only a few weeks before, the issue of the new national curriculum and what will replace the levels as a progress and accountability measure is still worrying lots of science teachers. @cleverfiend referred to his recent visit to the DfE …

Ofqual changes to GCSE examinations – implications for SEN children

I received an email from an exam board today which said: Ofqual have announced changes to GCSE qualifications which will be of interest to schools registered with WJEC in England and in Wales. Changes in England Ofqual, regulator for qualifications in England, announced that they will introduce changes to GCSEs for candidates starting two-year courses …

Our policy U-turn over BTEC Science

Having sat down and looked at many specifications we had selected a course to run with our students next year, and I pity other schools like mine (with a high percentage of SEN students) who are having to make a similar decision. Readers of my blog may have picked up on my dislike of the …

BTEC tasks – how do you keep track?

I’ve taught BTEC for a three years and have been plagued recently by gaps in attendance and consequently in pupil portfolios.  This is from my recording document: I’ve removed the names and grades, but the colours tell you all need to know.  Red means the assignment hasn’t been started, orange means it has, and green …