GCSE Computer Science
Outcome of Ofqual’s consultation on assessment arrangements for GCSE Computer Science Dear Parent, As you will likely be aware from your son, OfQual (the board that regulates examination bodies) opened a consultation on what should be done about a national leak of Computer Science Non-Exam Assessment (NEA) materials and answers on the internet. The result of that consultation was published earlier this month and is summarised as follows:
Students are still required to complete one 'Programming' task as part of the course but a number of rules, such as no access to the internet, no longer apply. Teachers submit a form confirming their students have been given 20 hours within the timetable to complete the task and the work is the students' own. The task is not formally marked but teachers will be asked to submit samples of student work for monitoring by 15 May. In 2018 only, monitors will visit schools to check enough time has been spent on all stages of a task.
Effectively, the NEA is now worth no marks and each exam will count for 50% of the final grade. This is a very disappointing result for me and our students, as I know they had produced excellent work and put considerable effort into their NEAs. However, we are where we are, and I do believe that their experience on the project will at least help with the many programming related questions that will appear in Paper 2. The plan is to continue as outlined on our scheme of work, covering Paper 2 topics until just after the half term and then beginning past papers and similar revision activities in the lead up to the final exams. If you have any questions about this decision or the course in general please do email me at [email protected] and I will do my best to help. Yours Sincerely, Chris Nonweiler (Head of Computing, Langtree School)
Langtree School, Woodcote, Reading, Berkshire RG8 0RA Tel: 01491 680514 Fax: 01491 682411 Email: offi[email protected] www.langtreeschool.com Twitter : @Head4094 Headteacher: Mr R Holroyd B.A. M.A. Deputy Headteacher: Mr S Bamford Assistant Headteacher: Ms S Burman The Langtree School Academy Trust Company. A company limited by guarantee. Registered in England and Wales. Company Registration Number: 07980335 Registered Office: Langtree School. Woodcote. Reading. RG8 0RA
Students are still required to complete one 'Programming' task as part of the course but a number of rules, such as no access to the internet, no longer apply. Teachers submit a form confirming their students have been given 20 hours within the timetable to complete the task and the work is the students' own. The task is not formally marked but teachers will be asked to submit samples of student work for monitoring by 15 May. In 2018 only, monitors will visit schools to check enough time has been spent on all stages of a task.
Effectively, the NEA is now worth no marks and each exam will count for 50% of the final grade. This is a very disappointing result for me and our students, as I know they had produced excellent work and put considerable effort into their NEAs. However, we are where we are, and I do believe that their experience on the project will at least help with the many programming related questions that will appear in Paper 2. The plan is to continue as outlined on our scheme of work, covering Paper 2 topics until just after the half term and then beginning past papers and similar revision activities in the lead up to the final exams. If you have any questions about this decision or the course in general please do email me at [email protected] and I will do my best to help. Yours Sincerely, Chris Nonweiler (Head of Computing, Langtree School)
Langtree School, Woodcote, Reading, Berkshire RG8 0RA Tel: 01491 680514 Fax: 01491 682411 Email: offi[email protected] www.langtreeschool.com Twitter : @Head4094 Headteacher: Mr R Holroyd B.A. M.A. Deputy Headteacher: Mr S Bamford Assistant Headteacher: Ms S Burman The Langtree School Academy Trust Company. A company limited by guarantee. Registered in England and Wales. Company Registration Number: 07980335 Registered Office: Langtree School. Woodcote. Reading. RG8 0RA
