In June 2001, the Secretary of State for Education and Skills asked the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) to carry out a review of the implementation of Curriculum 2000. Following the publication of QCA's report in July and the Secretary of State's response, three objectives were identified. These were to:

• reduce the number of clashes in the summer examination timetable;
• develop a linear route through each specification, so that where possible AS assessment would be available in a single half-day session;
• reduce the amount of time taken up by assessment.

Awarding Bodies have been working closely with the Regulatory Authorities ( QCA, ACCAC and CCEA) to ensure that these objectives are adequately addressed with the minimum of disruption to centres and students.

The Notice sets out the principles on which the Awarding Bodies will implement changes for the summer 2002 examination series and can be viewed here in PDF format.