A number of subjects at GCE, VCE, GNVQ, GCSE, BTEC programmes, NVQ and Entry Level require students to complete coursework based on the collection of primary data.

The current series of Foot and Mouth outbreaks shows no sign of abating. It is important that no student preparing for one of these qualifications does, or appears to do, anything that could facilitate the spread of the disease. This can be spread by dirt on boots. Deer are susceptible to the disease as well as sheep, pigs and cattle. Access to National Parks and to National Trust and Forestry Commission land is being restricted, and everyone is being asked to avoid travelling in the countryside if at all possible.

An increasing number of field centres are cancelling courses, and field work being organised by individual schools and colleges is also likely to be affected.

While restrictions on access to rural areas remain in place, schools and colleges intending to carry out fieldwork in rural areas should make every effort to put in place alternative arrangements. If the coursework is not due for submission until 2002, every effort should be made to reschedule the work for later in the course. Where coursework is needed for submission in summer 2001, in many cases it will be possible to carry out appropriate work in the local area, or even on the school site itself.

Any school or college experiencing problems with their coursework arrangements as a result of the Foot and Mouth outbreaks, should contact Quality Standards in respect of BTEC programmes and NVQs or the appropriate Assessment Leader in respect of VCE, GNVQ, GCSE and GCE programmes at Edexcel in writing or complete our online enquiries form, outlining the nature of the problem, including the extent to which syllabus/specification requirements have been met, and any alternative arrangements that have been made. We will be as supportive as possible.