GCSEs are changing

GCSE English

GCSE English is now being revised and revamped for first teaching in 2010 in line with Maths and ICT and will be part of the forthcoming introduction of Functional Skills. We are already reviewing GCSE English and are proactively undertaking a comprehensive consultation with teachers about the new GCSE in development and how our new qualification can be proactively developed with your needs in mind.

As part of the redevelopment, we are taking this opportunity to review what is assessed and how it is assessed, the literary texts used and the different types of literature and the use of changing language, syntax, levels of diction and phraseology used in the modern world.

We are also developing comprehensive teacher support materials to help you deliver the new specifications from 2010, including publisher support from OUP.

Redevelopment presents exciting opportunities and we are very keen to canvass the thoughts of teachers of English in order to ensure that the new GCSE's really do meet the needs of teachers and learners. We are also interested in finding out more about your views on many aspects of our planned qualification in GCSE English.

See details of our current survey at the top of this page, and if you would like to sign up to take part in our own GCSE English development group, please email your contact details to GCSE.english@ocr.org.uk.

The QCA consultation on proposed subject criteria closed at the end of September and is is hoped that QCA will publish finalised criteria during December 2008.

You can find more information about GCSE English on the OCR website.

Functional English

Functional English encourages learners to be confident and capable when using the skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing and enables them to communicate effectively, adapting to a range of audiences and contexts.