Ofqual has today (14 May) published a consultation on
arrangements for non-exam assessment (NEA) in certain
subjects and fieldwork requirements for students entering
qualifications in 2022.
Last year, following a public consultation, we changed the
non-exam assessment and fieldwork requirements for some
GCSEs, AS and A levels to address obstacles caused by the
pandemic. The changes were for students due to be
awarded qualifications in the current academic year only.
We are now seeking views on the extent to which these
arrangements for certain subjects should be carried forward
for students due to sit exams in summer 2022.
This consultation focuses on the subjects for which
preparation and work for non-exam assessment and fieldwork
activities will be taking place this term for students who
will be taking their exams in 2022. It covers
-
non-exam assessments in dance, design and technology,
drama (and theatre), film studies, food preparation and
nutrition, media studies, music, music technology, and
physical education
-
fieldwork activities in geography, geology and
environmental science
-
assessment of speaking skills in GCSE modern foreign
language (MFL) qualifications
-
assessment of spoken language in GCSE English language
We are seeking views on our proposal that we largely carry
forward to the next academic year the flexibilities and
adaptations we put in place in these subjects. This
consultation specifically focuses on subjects where
preparation and work for non-exam assessment and fieldwork
activities is taking place this term for students who will
be taking their exams in 2022.
However, we recognise there are other activities about
which students, teachers and exam boards might have
questions. We hope that, with further lifting of public
health restrictions, it will be possible for students to
complete work in other subjects as usual during the next
academic year. We are keeping this under review and will
provide more information about, and where necessary consult
on, further arrangements for 2022 in due course.
In GCSE ancient history, history and English literature,
the government agreed that, for 2021 only, students would
be assessed on less content than usual. Content coverage
(curriculum) is the responsibility of the DfE. Arrangements
in these subjects will be considered as part of the wider
policy decisions for the 2022 exams.
We have recently confirmed that there will be an autumn
exam series in 2021. Except for art and design
qualifications, grades will be determined by students’
performance in the exams only – there will be no non-exam
assessments.
The exams will be in their normal format, with no advanced
notice or exam aids, but will assess students on the same
content as had been planned for exams in summer 2021. So,
for example, in GCSE English literature, history and
ancient history, students will answer questions on a
reduced number of topics.
In GCSE and AS geography students will not have to answer
questions in the exam about their own fieldwork experience,
and GCSE MFL students will have a speaking endorsement
rather than a speaking test.
Anyone wishing to respond to our consultation on 2022
non-exam assessment and fieldwork requirements can fill out
a short survey accessible from the consultation
page, which is open until 11:45pm on Friday 28 May.
For vocational and technical qualifications, and other
general qualifications, in relation to internal assessment,
adaptations will continue to be in place which respond to
social distancing. While we expect that assessment in the
coming year will largely reflect a return to normality,
other types of adaptation to respond to the impacts of the
pandemic are under consideration, and more information will
follow soon.
