Changes to how GCSEs in French, German and Spanish will be
assessed in future have been confirmed today by Ofqual.
They are needed because the government is changing from 2024 how
students will be taught and assessed in these subjects - to help
young people develop their language skills for life and work.
The Department for Education’s (DfE) revisions to the subjects’
content will ensure students understand what vocabulary and
grammar skills will be needed in their exams.
We consulted last year on our proposals for the assessment of
these revised qualifications, at the same time as the DfE
consulted on its draft changes. We are publishing the outcome of our
consultation today. The DfE has also today published its
final subject content
revisions.
The DfE announced today the changes are due to come into effect
for first teaching from September 2024, with first assessments in
2026.
We are going ahead with our consultation proposals - which set
out revised assessment objectives, and confirm that the current
use of tiered assessments and non-exam assessment (NEA) will
continue.
Further draft proposals for the more detailed assessment
requirements - in the Subject Level Conditions and Guidance -
will go to public consultation in due course.
We are also inviting applications for independent subject experts
– particularly experienced teachers - to work with us on the
accreditation reviews of the revised qualifications. For more
information, go to Guidance: Apply to be an
external expert with Ofqual
