OCR Nationals, School Achievement and Attainment Tables and the new Science Indicator Friday 29 June 2007

On 26 June 2007 the Department for Education and Skills published final details of the 2007 Achievement Tables (PDF).

Existing performance measures remain largely unchanged

There is little of significant change in the measures and how they operate, as you would expect with a measure designed to make year on year comparisons. The established practice of including GCSE equivalents means that many vocational and applied qualifications, such as OCR Nationals, are embedded as major contributors to measuring school performance at Key Stage 4.

Introduction of a new Science Indicator

There is, however, an additional measure, in the form of the new science indicator. This is separate to the overall performance tables, and is designed to measure attainment in Science at Key Stage 4.

OCR is disappointed that the science indicator, as currently designed, does not include GCSE equivalents in Science. This means that the Level 2 OCR National in Science continues to contribute to the existing performance tables, but may not be counted in the new science indicator. OCR has begun a dialogue with the Department to see whether this unfortunate feature of the indicator can be rectified to reflect the general policy of broadening the curriculum opportunities for young people.