Dear Madam

It is not only universities that will require major change for PQA.  Edexcel has been releasing results more than a week early for three years for the winter exams and has been in a position to release summer results early for the same period. 

However, for many students, university places hang in the balance when anomalies arise which cannot be resolved because of school holidays.  These include missing coursework marks, possible enquiries about results or some minor issues which preclude the board issuing a final grade.  If the results are issued early but staff are not in school to resolve these issues with boards, students may be disadvantaged.

On a second point, you report that "A level students will be able to demonstrate research and presentation skills in a new form of coursework "to be introduced from 2008."  Edexcel introduced such a course three year ago - Perspectives on Science, a standalone AS course assessed via a research project and a presentation of findings.  The dissertation is teacher-assessed and externally moderated by Edexcel. 

Our chief examiner for POS reported that "the choice of projects was very good, reflecting candidates' interests, and their desire to explore these topics in depth. The course has already proved to add considerable value to students' learning experience by strengthening their thinking skills, as well as providing a fresh and enjoyable approach to science at the post-16 stage".

Yours faithfully
Jerry Jarvis
Managing Director, Edexcel