Consulting on new GCE and GCSE Specifications
Our aim is to develop top-class qualifications. So we have been consulting widely to ensure that our new qualifications are refreshingly relevant, stimulating and rewarding for your learners. To date we have undertaken a 3 phase consultation process….
Who: Range of stakeholder groups including:
- Department of Enterprise and Investment;
- Department of Employment and Learning;
- Invest Northern Ireland;
- sector skills bodies;
- universities; and
- post-primary schools.
How: Face-to-face consultation and completion of survey.
When: Feb – Sept 2010
Why: To identify qualification areas and proposed early ideas for specification content.
Who: Post-primary teachers with an interest in the new qualification areas
How: Review early draft specifications and provide feedback via online survey and/or by attending 1 of 14 consultation events.
When: June 2011
Why: To provide feedback on early draft and further develop the content of the specifications.
General outcomes of the GCE and GCSE Phase 2 Consultation
Some general issues emerged from the consultation which were not related to a particular specification. These are listed below along with how we have addressed or will address them:
| Issues | Action |
|---|---|
Need for teacher training to deliver the new specifications |
We will analyse the training required and explore ways to meet this need though our comprehensive support package. |
Need for resources and support for schools |
We will deliver a comprehensive package for schools to support introduction and teaching |
Need for appropriate recognition by universities and employers |
We will continue to liaise with universities and relevant employers to ensure that the new specifications meet their expectations. |
Need for opportunity to provide feedback on next draft |
Phase 3 Consultation took place as detailed here. |
Subject Specific outcomes of the Consultation
Feedback from the subject specific work-shops was analysed to identify the key issues relating to each specification. Here are some of the key issues that emerged for each specification.
| Qualification | Issues | Agreed Action | Progress |
|---|---|---|---|
GCE Environmental Technology |
Too much content |
Content to be been reduced |
|
An element of choice was requested |
An element of choice to be introduced to some topic areas eg AS2 |
|
|
GCE Journalism in the Media and Communications Industry |
The content was well received by teachers and wider stakeholders but they felt it was not reflected in the title which they considered to be misleading (Previously known as Media and the Communications Industry) |
Title to be changed as indicated to better reflect the journalism element of the course |
|
Templates for the internally assessed elements (eg log books, contact books etc) were requested to standardise what is expected from students |
A comprehensive support package to be included example log books will be provided |
|
|
GCE Performing Arts |
Number of portfolios required was excessive |
Guidance to be given in the form of templates and proformas as part of the support package |
|
AS2 should be externally assessed by a visiting moderator |
AS2 to be externally moderated |
|
|
GCE Software and System Development |
Content at AS more difficult that at A2. More progression between the units was recommended |
Content to be revised to reflect this |
|
Published list of acceptable programming languages requested |
List of acceptable programming languages to be published |
|
|
GCE Sports Science and the Leisure Industry |
Contains too much sports science content and not enough content related Leisure Studies |
Content to be revised to ensure appropriate balance throughout the specification |
|
GCSE Agriculture and Land Use |
Quantity and level of content too high |
Content to be revised to ensure it is at an appropriate level and quantity |
|
GCSE Contemporary Crafts |
More relevant and modern themes for the Craft Commission |
Content has been revised to ensure more modern and relevant themes for the Craft Commission |
|
Who: Post-primary teachers with an interest in the new specifications (many of whom had already participated in the second phase consultation)
How: Review seconddraft specifications and provide feedback via online survey and/or by attending 1 of 7 consultation events.
When: Oct/Nov 2011
Why: Feedback from the Phase 2 Consultation indicated that many attendees wanted an opportunity to provide further feedback on the second draft of the specifications.
Outcomes of this consultation will be fed into the final draft of the specifications. See draft unaccredited specifications.
