International GCSE 2016 and 2017 updates - latest news for UK independent schools

Your feedback

The feedback we received through the consultation process highlighted that International GCSEs are valued by teachers and learners in the UK and across the world. It indicated that you would welcome some updates to the qualification suite, rather than large scale changes to the existing International GCSEs you are familiar with. The updates we will be making to our International GCSE qualifications suite are outlined below.

Updated International GCSE qualifications

Reassuringly familiar with refreshed content to ensure qualifications continue to be comparable to GCSEs

We plan to introduce more up-to-date content so it reflects the latest thinking in each subject and to ensure that the content and assessment standards are comparable to the new GCSEs. This is to ensure that these qualifications are even more relevant and engaging for students, and that they are of comparable demand to the new reformed GCSEs.

Supporting progression to further study

Our Edexcel International GCSEs have been designed to support progression to further study, including A levels and beyond. With up-to-date content reflecting the latest thinking in each subject, our qualifications meet the needs of today’s students.

Rewarding outstanding academic achievement

With the introduction of a new 9-1 grading scale for GCSEs in England, the A* grade available for the current International GCSEs does not neatly align with the top grade 9. Grade 9 represents a higher level of attainment than the current A* grade. After extensive consultation with schools and wider stakeholders, we have taken the decision to introduce the 9-1 grading scale for the updated suite of International GCSEs. This is to give the very highest performers the opportunity to achieve a grade 9, rewarding outstanding academic achievement.

With 9 levels of performance rather than 8, there is greater differentiation of the most able at the top end of the grading scale, which better identifies students’ potential, putting you in a stronger position to help students make informed decisions about their A level and university choices.

Better technology. Better support.

We will provide you with a wider range of teaching and learning materials, resources and training to support the best possible learner outcomes, in advance of first teaching. This support includes schemes of work, exemplar student work, textbooks, digital services and tailored Edexcel International GCSE teacher training. This will complement the wider Pearson support available for Edexcel qualifications, such as ResultsPlus, ResultsPlus Direct, and Exam Wizard.

Subject update

At this stage, we can confirm that the following Edexcel International GCSE subjects will be updated and available for first teaching in September 2017:

* These subjects will be available for first teaching in September 2016 to both UK and International schools.

For UK Independent schools

Subjects marked with an asterisk (English and Maths) have final assessment dates of May/June 2017, with a final retake only opportunity in January 2018.

All our other current Edexcel International GCSE subjects will continue to be available until a last assessment date of May/June 2018, with a final retake only opportunity in January 2019 for subjects with current January availability.

For International schools

All our current Edexcel International GCSE subjects will continue to be available until a last assessment date of May / June 2018, with a final retake only opportunity in January 2019 for subjects with current January availability.

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