Ofqual has today (21 April 2017) announced that it will
take action this summer to ensure standards are set
appropriately in A level French, German and Spanish.
The decision stems from new research,
published by the regulator today, which suggests that
awarding should take into account the fact that native
language speakers take these subjects. The adjustment to
grade standards will be decided in early summer. If the
ability of the cohorts is similar to previous years we
would anticipate small increases in the proportion of
students getting top grades in each subject this August.
The regulator said that further changes to grade
standards in these, and other subjects, may be considered
if there is a ‘compelling case’ consistent with
its policy decision on
inter-subject comparability, also announced today.
Ofqual has decided that the challenges apparent in
conceptualising and measuring how subjects may compare
means that it will not try to take coordinated action to
align grade standards across the full range of GCSE or A
level subjects. This decision follows more than a year of
public discussion and debate about a number of potential
policy options. However, the regulator will consider
making one-off adjustments to standards where there is a
compelling case. Ofqual has already begun conversations
with subject communities in relation to A levels in
physics, chemistry and biology, as well as MFL.
Speaking about today’s announcement, Sally Collier, Chief
Regulator, Ofqual, said:
Everybody expects that grade standards between exam
boards in any particular subject should be comparable.
However, inter-subject comparability is more difficult
to consider. We are extremely grateful to the
stakeholders who have offered their opinions and the
many researchers who have helped us reach our policy
decision. It, combined with the actions we are taking
this summer specifically in relation to A level
languages, will mean we are better placed than ever to
ensure standards in GCSEs, AS and A levels are
appropriate.
