Withdrawal of AS/A Level Humanities

The former Secretary of State for Education, Michael Gove, initiated the reform of GCSEs and A Levels in February 2013, asking Ofqual to implement changes that would lead to new qualifications. As part of this programme of reform, Ofqual decided that GCSE Humanities qualification should be withdrawn, due to overlapping content with one or more of the subjects being reformed. As a consequence of this, and declining numbers, awarding bodies chose not to redevelop the AS and A Level qualifications listed below.

We will continue to support and assess the qualifications up to the conclusion of the final resit series in 2019:

For centres looking for alternative courses to replace Humanities, we would recommend our new GCSE 9-1 qualifications in:

• History (H105, H505): Our History A specification is designed to foster the development of critical and reflective thinking with an understanding of historical topics and issues; and to encourage an awareness of the importance of historical awareness in explaining contemporary issues. This qualification provides a fantastic curriculum to ignite and engage learners’ passions and interests. Our content will create independent learners, critical thinkers and decision-makers – all personal assets that can make them stand out as they progress to Higher Education and/or the workplace.
  
• Religious Studies (H173, H573): This qualification is designed to develop a greater understanding and appreciation of religious beliefs and teachings, as well as the disciplines of ethics and philosophy of religion. Learners will develop their skills of critical analysis in order to construct balanced, informed arguments and responses to religious, philosophical and ethical ideas.
  
• Geography (H081, H481): OCR’s A Level in Geography aims to encourage learners to develop a range of essential skills for Higher Education and the world of work through content which is relevant to any citizen of the planet in the 21st century. Through exciting topics learners will understand the nature of physical and human geography whilst unpicking the debates surrounding contemporary challenges facing the world today.
• Extended Project Qualification (H856): The OCR Extended Project is a stand-alone qualification that is equivalent to an AS Level, but with an A* also achievable. It aims to develop students beyond their existing study programme by giving them the freedom to complete a project on an area of personal interest or benefit, while developing project management skills along the way.
  

For further information on deadlines for submitting entries, entry amendments/withdrawals and the submission of marks for internal assessment please see the Admin guide: 14-19 qualifications.

If you have any queries about this notice, please call our Customer Contact Centre on 01223 553998 or email general.qualifications@ocr.org.uk.