- Students across the country will not have to memorise
formulae for GCSE mathematics and equations for GCSE physics and
combined science in 2024
- The Department for Education has asked Ofqual to make
arrangements to extend formulae and equation sheets for GCSE
exams for one more year
- Ofqual is today launching a two-week consultation to get
insight from the sector on the proposal
Students set to sit their GCSE exams in 2024 could receive
additional support materials, as the Department for Education
(DfE) asks Ofqual to make arrangements to continue providing
formulae and equation sheets for one more year.
Following a consultation, the proposal would see students
provided with enhanced formulae and equation sheets to support
them in mathematics, physics, and combined science GCSEs, as was
the case for 2023 exams. This means students will not have to
memorise formulae, as they need to in a normal year.
These proposed arrangements recognise the disruption this cohort
of students experienced during their secondary education due to
national school closures during the pandemic while these pupils
were in year 7 and 8.
Ofqual is launching a consultation on this today (Thursday 16
November) to get insight from the sector on introducing this
expectation, and it will run for two weeks, ending on 30 November
2023 at 11:45pm.
Education Secretary, said:
“Young people taking GCSEs next year will be the last who
experienced two years of national closures during secondary
school and it’s right that we recognise that with some additional
support.
“GCSEs are young people's passport to their next stage of
education and we must ensure students have the opportunity to
show what they know and can do, and ultimately meet their
potential."
Ofqual spokesperson said:
“In response to the Department for Education’s announcement that
students taking exams in 2024 will not need to memorise the usual
formulae and equations for GCSE maths, physics and combined
science, Ofqual is now seeking views on the use of formulae and
equation sheets for these exams in 2024.
“Students, teachers, school and college leaders, unions, exams
officers, exam boards, employers and further education
institutions are encouraged to take part in the consultation.”
2024 will be the final year where enhanced formulae and equation
sheets will be available, returning to normal exam arrangements
in 2025.
The department’s decision on arrangements for 2025 reflect that
those pupils will have had the opportunity to benefit from
more time in secondary school with support from teachers and
interventions such as the National Tutoring Programme, compared
to students from the previous two cohorts.
In September, Ofqual confirmed its two-year transition to
pre-pandemic grading is now complete. Normal grading
arrangements will continue for GCSEs, AS, A levels and Vocational
and Technical Qualifications(such as Pearson’s BTEC Nationals and
OCR’s Cambridge Technicals) in 2024.
The government has invested nearly £5 billion to support
students’ recovery from the impact of the pandemic, including
£1.5 billion for tutoring programmes and almost £2 billion in
direct funding, largely targeted at those that need help most.
ENDS
Notes to editors
- The consultation can be found here.
