Edexcel has today sent its new A level specifications to the regulator, the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA), for accreditation.

Isabel Sutcliffe, Edexcel's Director of Qualifications and Accreditation, said:

“In a week that has seen significant developments in the Government’s 14-19 reform programme, with Wednesday’s Diploma Gateway Report announcement, the submission by awarding bodies of new A level specifications represents another important milestone.

“Edexcel has worked closely and at length with teachers, senior examiners and academics to develop new specifications that we believe are exciting and modern and, more importantly, challenging and inspiring for both teachers and students.”

Currently, most A levels consist of six units studied over two years. The changes introduced as part of Curriculum 2000 led to accusations of too many formal assessment points.  The new A levels will therefore see alterations introduced aimed at reducing the assessment burden on students and their schools and colleges, as well as some changes in the availability of internal assessment.

The draft specifications are due to be accredited by QCA in June 2007 and copies of the accredited specifications will be sent to schools and colleges around the UK in September 2007. The first students to follow the new specifications will be September 2008’s AS level intake.

Edexcel will offer new A levels in 29 subjects. Summaries of our draft specifications and sample assessment materials will be available on Edexcel’s GCE 2008 website at the end of April.

Edexcel is also organising a series of seminars around the country in April and May for principals, head teachers, exams officers, curriculum managers and LEA advisors.  Free to attend, the half-day events will provide advice and guidance on the new A levels.  In May and June there will be seminars for subject leaders.

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