A brochure sent out to 50,000 heads of departments and exams officers explains the changes and provides a timeline of key dates over the next few years.
Research by OCR shows that the primary concern for 85 per cent of teachers is understanding and keeping abreast of the changes.
Draft specifications, which will be available to teachers by the end of the month, are being written to support new criteria announced by the QCA (Qualifications and Curriculum Authority) and will be taught from September 2008.
“Our mission is to work closely with heads of department and exams officers to prepare them for the changes ahead and offer continued support throughout the transition,” commented Clara Kenyon, director of qualifications for OCR.
“The new A Level specifications are designed to benefit teachers and pupils. Our comprehensive research in liaison with schools and colleges throughout this process means that we are able to revise less popular parts of courses and develop more successful elements.”
The new qualifications are designed to reduce the volume of marking for teachers, and the amount of assessment for learners.
They are also designed to ensure that all young people have the chance to realise their full potential.
Reform of education for 14 to 19-year-olds was instigated by the QCA, which published criteria for the new qualifications in 2005. Draft specifications for new GCSEs will be published next year, in advance of first teaching in September 2009.
Teachers can sign up with OCR for email news alerts about the latest information on 14-19 reforms by visiting www.ocr.org.uk/14-19signup
