Take a look at our new draft GCSE specificationsFriday 4 April 2008

  • 43 draft GCSE specifications now online
  • Teachers to choose the best learning approach for their pupils, linear or unitised
  • Exam stress reduced with flexible assessment across all qualifications
  • Controlled assessment in place of coursework to address plagiarism concerns
  • Law, Citizenship and Ancient History – new subjects added to OCR's GCSE portfolio
  • Greater number of short courses available

OCR is giving teachers greater choice in the GCSE assessment process with a range of new draft specifications.

The revised subject specifications are designed to make the assessment process more manageable for teachers and subjects more interesting and engaging for pupils.

They also introduce more relevant and engaging content that will help students develop their personal, learning and thinking skills. We have worked with teachers, students, subject associations and employers to redevelop existing GCSEs and introduce a selection of new qualifications that meet the requirements outlined by both teachers and their students.

Flexible assessment across all qualifications

All 43 of the new draft GCSE specifications offer flexible assessment options for teachers, allowing them to choose whichever assessment approach suits their pupils best, be that linear or unitised. The new GCSE assessment is organised into units, which can be taken either at the end of the course in a linear fashion or be used to complement a more modular approach to teaching and learning.

Pupils' exam stress may also be reduced through this new approach as assessments could be spread out over a period of time and not concentrated into one assessment at the end of two years, if preferred. We are offering a greater range of short courses allowing teachers to top up these courses to create full courses within specifications.

Controlled assessment replaces coursework

Controlled assessment replaces coursework for those GCSEs continuing with internal assessment. Assessments will be carried out with more teacher supervision to enhance reliability and address previous concerns over plagiarism and the authenticity of students' work. It also offers greater manageability for teachers, allowing them to fit assessments into the teaching programme.

Take a look at our new GCSE specifications

You can also find details of what has changed, a range of sample assessment materials and information about our subject-specific training.

There are also spaces available on our FREE GCSE Expos - make sure you reserve your place!