Slide 1

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The new curriculum, from policy to practice – taking stock and planning ahead

Slide 2

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Functional skills in GCSEsOn 2nd April the DCSF removed the requirement for Level 2 functional skills for the award of a GCSE A*-C in English, mathematics and ICT in 2012.

Key points to note are:• Functional skills will be assessed through the new GCSE• The new GCSE will be introduced in September 2010 for first

assessment in 2012• Functional skills remain separately accredited. The decision

does not mean that an FS qualification will be awarded ‘by proxy’.

• The links remain for the other pathways, Diplomas, Foundation Learning Tier and Apprenticeships.

• Functional skills in the KS4 curriculum and in tests will roll-out from September 2010.

• The new GCSE criteria embed functional skills.

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Changes to GCSE - factsheet

How can the information on handout 5.1 help convince subject leaders and headteachers about the need for change at KS4?

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QCA fact sheet

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National Testing at the end of KS3• In October 2008 the DCSF removed the requirement compulsory national

testing at the end of KS3• They introduced the plan for a new target for progression (three and four

levels of progression from KS2 to KS4)

Key points to note are:• This is a fantastic opportunity for an increased focus on creative teaching

throughout year 9 • Pupils have the entitlement to have access to the full KS3 and KS4

programmes of study. • The new progression targets will challenge schools to plan for progression

and assess pupils progress across the 5 years of secondary schools. • Repeated and poorly considered early GCSE entry does not support good

progression and narrows participation in post-16 mathematics

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New KS4 PoS and GCSE,

FS, new pilot pair of GCSEs

Current Y7

Current Y8

Current Y9

New KS4 PoS and GCSE,

FS, new pilot pair of GCSEs

New KS4 PoS and GCSE,

FS, new pilot pair of GCSEs

New KS4 PoS and GCSE,

FS, new pilot pair of GCSEs

Slide 7

© Crown copyright 2009

Discussion

• Have the current Year 7 moving into Year 8 had experience of a new curriculum? Are they making progress in key processes? What have schools used to support their developing SoW?

• Are current Year 8 moving into Year 9 going to be prepared for the new KS4 focus on functionality, problem solving and thinking? What has happened in your school?

• This is the first Year 9 where testing has not been statutory. What has been the pupils’ experience in your school?