Withdrawal of GCSE 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 As part of this programme of reform, Ofqual decided that the GCSE Humanities qualifications listed below would be withdrawn, due to overlapping content with one or more of the subjects reformed for first teaching in 2016.

We will continue to support and assess the qualifications up to the conclusion of the final assessment series in 2017:

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

• History (J410 and J411): Our GCSE (9–1) in History specifications have been designed to help learners explain and understand the world around us today. They will study a wide range of content options, and consider key themes which demonstrate the relevance of the past in understanding the present.
  
• Religious Studies (J625 and J125): Our GCSE (9–1) in Religious Studies full and short course specifications will encourage learners to develop knowledge, understanding and skills to engage in debate and discussion about life in a modern pluralistic society. This includes developing an understanding of non-religious beliefs.
• Geography (J383 and J384): Our GCSE Geography (9–1) specifications provide a dynamic, contemporary and exciting opportunity for students to engage with the world around them. Our specifications inspire a lifelong love of geography, drawing on issues that are relevant to students learning geography in a range of contexts.
• Citizenship (J270): OCR’s GCSE (9–1) in Citizenship Studies has been designed to enable learners to understand and appreciate key citizenship issues at home, in school and as young citizens in their wider community. 

You may also be interested in our Foundation and Higher Project qualifications, which provide opportunities for extension and thematic study:

• Level 1 Foundation Project (H854) and Level 2 Higher Project (H855): OCR’s Project qualifications are flexible and will allow centres to manage a diversity of different projects in an efficient simple way. These qualifications offer learners an opportunity to learn about project management. This is a vital component of ‘post school’ life and of particular relevance to Further Education, Higher Education and the workplace. Each learner is able to tailor their project to fit their individual needs, choices and aspirations. 

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.qualification@ocr.org.uk.