Can different GCSE and A Level subjects be compared accurately?
21 December 2015
New research examines whether different GCSE and A Level subjects are comparable to each other and whether a better alignment could be achieved.
Ofqual is seeking views on its six research papers which identify the policy options that could be adopted in relation to the comparability of different subjects:
- Comparability of different GCSE and A Level subjects in England: An introduction
- Inter-subject comparability: a review of the technical literature
- Inter-subject comparability of examination standards in GCSE and GCE
- Inter-subject comparability: an international review
- A recent history of regulatory perspectives on inter-subject comparability in England
- Exploring implications of policy options concerning inter-subject comparability.
Chief Regulator Glenys Stacey explains: “We expect a GCSE from one exam board to be as demanding as one from another exam board in the same subject, and as those from previous years. But doing the same for different subjects is another issue. When you look closely there are many factors to consider. Ultimately should you be able to, or even want to, compare say, chemistry and art, or chemists and artists?”.
Following the results of the survey, Ofqual will decide whether or not it needs to introduce a policy position to achieve inter-subject comparability.