Ofqual has today (23 January 2019) confirmed the long-term
future of computer science assessment arrangements.
We consulted on the long-term assessment arrangements for
assessing programming skills in GCSE computer
science towards the end of 2018following problems with
malpractice in the non-exam assessment
element of the qualification. Interim arrangements, in
which students are expected to complete a programming task
during their course, which does not count towards the final
grade, were put in place while we consulted on long-term
arrangements for assessing programming skills.
After reflecting on the 394 responses to our consultation,
including those from teachers, students, teacher unions,
schools/colleges and exam boards, we decided that:
- exam boards will be free to adopt approaches to
assessing programming skills by examination that they feel
are most appropriate from 2022 onwards. This affords them
the opportunity to consult with stakeholders and be
innovative in their approach
- schools and colleges will confirm to their exam board
that their students have been given the opportunity to
complete a programming task as part of their course
- the current interim arrangements, where schools and
colleges must set aside 20 timetabled hours for students to
undertake a programming task, will remain in place for
students sitting exams up to 2021
Sally Collier, Chief Regulator, said:
We can now give certainty to teachers, schools and
colleges about how GCSE computer science will be assessed
in the long-term. Our requirements will allow the
programming skills to be effectively assessed and mean
that all students will have the opportunity to carry out
practical programming work as part of their course.
I am also pleased to be encouraging innovation and
allowing exam boards to respond to schools and colleges
in a way that works for them. We were encouraged by the
level of support for our proposals.
Our analysis of responses to the consultation and reasons
for our decisions are set out in the consultation
outcome.
