A series of free GCSE Changes Expo events will be held across the UK by OCR. OCR is holding the events over the next two weeks to provide essential knowledge and support for teachers involved in implementing the changes to GCSEs next year.

Teachers interested in attending the Expo events must pre-register for their free ticket at www.ocr.org.uk/campaigns.

In line with the 14-19 educational reforms, OCR has revised GCSEs subject criteria for first teaching in September 2009. The Expo events will be the first opportunity for teachers to discuss all 43 of OCR's revised specifications, which see the introduction of three new subjects for next year: Law, Ancient History and Citizenship, the latter of which gives opportunity for topical issues to be taken into the classroom.

The Expo events will be the first opportunity for teachers to learn first hand about the changes affecting them and meet the specialist subject teams in place to support them through the changes and their implementation.

There are more than 5,100 education providers across the UK, including schools, colleges, workplaces and other institutions in the public and private sector, which will be affected by the changes to GCSEs.

The four GCSE Expo events are part of OCR's programme of high-quality, dedicated support offered to teachers going through the current changes to GCSE specifications.

The Expo events will be held in:

• Newcastle on Tuesday 24 June 2008 at the Newcastle United Football Club, St James Park
• Manchester on Friday 27 June 2008 at the Manchester United Football Club, Old Trafford
• Coventry on Tuesday 1 July 2008 at the Ricoh Arena
• London on Friday 4 July 2008 at the Lords Cricket Ground.

The Expo events will provide teachers with:

• Access to information about the changes within each subject area
• The opportunity to meet subject specialists
• The opportunity to speak with publishers and other support partners
• Receive the new specifications on CD
• Receive information on free training events for each subject and region
• The opportunity to discuss the changes within GCSE and the support OCR offers
• The opportunity to hear updates on all qualifications relevant to their teaching
• Access to a new poster collection range designed to inspire and enthuse learners across all 43 subjects – available free from OCR at www.GCSEchanges.com/posters.

Teachers interested in attending the Expo events must pre-register for their free ticket at www.ocr.org.uk. Teachers attending will also find out more about the widely discussed functional skills and new diplomas which are being phased in over the forthcoming months.