12th November 2013 9:00
By Blue Tutors
Specifications for the new A’ Levels have been released, detailing revisions to the curriculum over 14 subjects from Arts, to Sciences, English, History and Sociology. The changes were introduced after the government sought advice from academics, which ended with the introduction of a new A’ Level which would only be examined at the end of two years. The changes have proved to be controversial, especially the de-coupling of the AS Level which will become a stand-alone qualification. Revisions to Maths and Languages Exams are still under discussion, and are not due to be introduced until at least 2016.
Changes to the English curriculum include the requirement to study a minimum of eight texts in detail. Further requirements include the need to study at least three works written before 1900, including at least one Shakespeare play. In addition, a work from after 2000 must be included in the curriculum. Currently, students study twelve texts over the two A’ level years, a requirement which critics felt did not allow students to explore literature in enough depth. English Language students will now study six texts, including non-literary texts such as pieces of journalism. History students will study their subject chronologically, with a range of at least 200 years being covered throughout the two year course. Science A’ Levels have been revised to include more maths as part of the standard curriculum.
Professor Smith, the chair of the committee reforming the A’ Levels said that universities needed a greater role in designing the A’ Levels which are a big part of their selection process. He said that he believed the reforms would update, modernise and improve A’ Level content by allowing students to study topics in more depth, and reintroducing practical elements. In particular, geography A’ Level will now include a fieldwork element which will count for 20% of the grade. A separate review of A’ Level coursework is dues to be carried out by exams watchdog Ofqual, the results of which will influence future policy on coursework elements of the new curriculum.