Review of the Occupational Studies Qualifications
Wednesday 04 February 2009
Important Information for Principals, Directors and Centre Managers
I am writing in relation to the proposed changes to the structure of the Occupational Studies Qualifications that I previously informed you about on 21 October 2008. At that time it was intended that the proposed changes to the Specification would be introduced for first teaching from September 2009. I now wish to inform you that the Department of Education has requested CCEA to postpone the changes until 2010/11.
The postponement is in light of the issues and concerns expressed by centres in relation to the intended changes, particularly at the three CCEA information meetings held in early December 2008. It is also to facilitate further consultation with all stakeholders that will be undertaken by CCEA Regulation. However, the Department has also requested us to advise you that while they are prepared to respond positively to genuine concerns the decision to postpone the changes should not be interpreted as a continuation of the present qualifications structure or that the goal to bring coherence to the offer of pupils is lost.
Further information on consultation arrangements will follow in early March 2009. In the meantime if you have any further queries on this correspondence please contact either my colleague Marion Wilcox or me.
Marion’s contact details are:
Telephone Number - 02890 261446
Email - mwilcox@ccea.org.uk
My contact details are:
Telephone Number - 02890 261271
Email - csproule@ccea.org.uk
Yours sincerely
Dr Charlie Sproule
Business Manager (Assessment and Skills Operations)
