Unlike the more conventional GCSEs, where students take one set of exams at the end of KS4, the new flexible qualifications will involve a number of units in each subject. If they fail they can re-sit each unit. Over the course of the two years, students will have completed 60 per cent of the GCSE before their finals in the summer.
There are arguably some benefits to the new flexible qualifications. By retaking units students have a higher chance to achieve a good grade. Stress is reduced as the build up to the final exam is a slow and gradual one, without the ‘all or nothing' emphasis. The modular units will also prepare students for A Level, where course layout is similar.
Another proposal put forward by OCR is that coursework is to be replaced with ‘controlled assessment', where student's projects are completed at school and supervised by teachers. This aims to make assessment more manageable for teachers, from task setting to task marking. A number of new subjects are also hoped to be introduced - law, ancient history and citizenship - as well as revised English, Maths, ICT and PE qualifications.
These new subjects and modular GCSEs offer exciting challenges, especially when it comes to ICT. With increased focus on ICT creativity, students can explore website design, digital video and graphics, all of which can be incorporated into a planned controlled assessment. Teachers can work alongside students to produce effective and innovative projects and coursework.
Serif is a leading independent publisher of graphics software for education, and produces Teacher Resource Packs to assist teaching of the OCR nationals. The Serif Design Suite is used by many schools to deliver the OCR Nationals and the learning materials are endorsed by OCR.
Colin Hussey, Serif's education business manager, said: "The proposed OCR National Certificate in ICT is an exciting alternative to the existing GNVQ style exam, with the two year modular course providing a great space for teachers to develop student's web design, editing skills, desktop publishing and creativity. It can take time for both teachers and students to get their heads around various sections of ICT and Web 2.0 technologies, in order to utilise them fully. Taking exams in sections therefore enables students to maximise their chances of gaining a good grade, as new information is fresh on the mind and there is less chance of losing interest in a topic.'
‘Many critics have claimed this will make GCSEs easier, but I see the proposed modular exams rather as a tool for effective teaching and enhanced learning - the basic curriculum will essentially remain the same.'
‘Controlled assessment is encouraging as it not only rules out plagiarism, but enables students to get the most out of in-school resources and equipment. Many schools around the country now have state of the art ICT classrooms where access to top of the range publishing and design programmes is available. Students aren't just sent home to work on their coursework - teachers have complete control over what each student is learning.'
If the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority approve the proposals in the summer, students could take modular exams in 43 subjects by 2009.
