Edexcel is to meet with QCA and chairs of GCE Music and Music Technology and senior examining teams to discuss the critieria and seek a solution which meets the needs of our centres and their students.

Earlier this week Edexcel again reluctantly signalled its intent not to seek re-accreditation for GCE Music and Music Technology when the new specifications are introduced from 2008 in the belief that the new criteria would curtail our ability to create qualifications that would engage and stretch students.   Students starting courses in 2006 and 2007 would be unaffected by any changes, with exams continuing to January 2010.

However, in view of the enormous support being shown for our existing qualifications, and the encouragement that we have received, we have resumed the process of discussion with all parties to seek a solution that meets the needs of our centres and their students.

Addendum (13/07/2006)

Edexcel met today with its chairs of examiners for music and music technology.  "It was a hugely positive meeting for all parties" said Jerry Jarvis, Edexcel's Managing Director. "The next steps are for us to meet with our senior music and music technology examining teams and with our regulator, to continue with this constructive dialogue and seek to develop new specifications that are exciting, interesting to teach and learn, to meet the demands of students and their teachers."

Andrew Kitchenham, chair of music technology, who attended today's meeting, added: "we welcomed the meeting and have presented some ideas to Edexcel which have been well received."