AS/A Level GCEGeneral Studies - H079 H479

No, coursework has been completely removed from the new A Level General Studies specification in line with the QCA subject criteria. The qualification is now assessed solely by examinations.

The content remains broadly the same in the new A Level General Studies specification. The key benefits of the new specification are continuity and progress.

Continuity because:

• The content of the existing specification is updated with many key topics still there.
• Existing programmes of study and session plans will need little change for most of the time.
• Resources built up over time, including past question papers, will still be very valuable.

• Improvements, clarifications and reorganisations will make this a clearer programme to deliver.
• The higher profile for thinking and analytical skills at A2 will be fun to deliver and popular with students.
• Fewer units, shorter total examination time with the popular extended writing style of response retained for all papers.

Yes, Assessment Objectives remain the same. However, the ordering of the Assessment Objectives has changed. A01 remains the same. A02 is now the old A03. A03 is now the old A04. A04 is the old A02. Therefore, Assessment Objectives in the new specification are as follows:

A01 – Demonstrate Knowledge and Understanding: demonstrate relevant knowledge and understanding applied to a range of issues, using skills from different disciplines.

A02 – Analysis and Evaluation: marshal evidence and draw conclusions; select, interpret, evaluate and integrate information, data, concepts and opinions.

A03 – Understanding Knowledge: demonstrate understanding of different types of knowledge, appreciating their strengths and limitations.

A04 – Communication: communicate clearly and accurately in a concise, logical and relevant way.

OCR is currently developing Teacher's support, programmes of INSET and working closely with the publisher Hodder Education to deliver support to accompany the new specification.

INSET Training will be in place prior to the commencement of teaching of the new specification. OCR will also produce essays and student activities for each unit, lesson plans and sample assessment material.

OCR encourages teachers to become Assistant Examiners for OCR General Studies as this is a great way to learn more about the specification.

You will receive training such as New Examiner Training and attend Standardisation Events. Further details on the support material provided for General Studies will appear on the OCR website in due course.

Yes, there is an e-community list. This list is intended to further the support that OCR offers you by allowing virtual networks of those working with A Level General Studies to share their knowledge, views and ideas. Subscribe to the e-community mailing list.

Yes. In response to centre demand, OCR will be publishing past papers for live specifications on the website. These will be free of charge. Question papers from the latest series will be available to download from OCR Interchange only.

OCR is working in partnership with individual publishers for different subject groups. Comprehensive resources are being developed by these Publishing Partners and others to support the specification and complement the support available from OCR.

Schemes of work and lesson plans can be downloaded for each qualifcation. The materials are available in PDF format, and  Word format. Teachers can adapt the materials for their own use.

Yes, the A* grade is calculated arithmetically based on the units used for aggregation, irrespective of whether or not they are re-sits.