In this update

2023 Assessments

A level Music focus groups

A level Music Technology research group

Access to Scripts

Key dates

2023 Assessments

DfE and Ofqual have published further information on the arrangements for 2023 assessments.

Ofqual has published an article setting out the approach to grading for 2023. Ofqual’s aim for those sitting exams and assessments in 2023 is to return to results in line with those in pre-pandemic years, as the next step in getting back to normal.

Read the Ofqual article on the approach to grading in 2023

DfE has published a statement setting out their decisions on adaptations for exams in 2023. 

Read the DfE statement on 2023 assessment arrangements

DfE and Ofqual are jointly consulting on guidance to schools and colleges about gathering assessment evidence to support resilience in the general qualifications system. The guidance proposes schools and colleges gather evidence in a way that aligns with their normal arrangements for preparing students for exams. The consultation will close at 11.45pm on 20 October.

Complete the joint consultation

DfE has decided students taking GCSEs, AS and A levels will not be provided with advance information on the focus of exams next summer.

A level Music focus groups

Thank you to everyone who expressed an interest in taking part in our focus groups concerning potential amendments to component 3. With well over 100 responses it was not logistically possible to speak to everyone, so we selected a representative sample of teachers with whom we discussed a number of potential amendments to component 3 that would improve the experience for both teachers and students.

Following these discussions, we narrowed down the suggestions to a shorter list which we are sharing with all teachers. If you haven't yet replied to our survey, we would be grateful for a couple of minutes of your time to hear your feedback.

Complete the A level Music survey

A level Music Technology research group

We would like to compile a list of A level Music Technology teachers who would be willing to take part in future research for the qualification. If you would be interested in taking part, please complete a short questionnaire.

Complete the A level Music Technology questionnaire 

Access to scripts

The free access to scripts service will close on Friday 16 December. If you want to download and save any scripts from your students summer 2022 exams then you will need to do this by Friday 16 December.

Scripts do not have examiner annotation on them. The marked script allows teachers to evaluate how the student performed on particular questions in relation to what they have been taught; the Principal Examiner's Report and the exemplars that we make available demonstrate how the mark scheme is applied.

If scripts have been marked "traditionally" (i.e. not online), centres will have to request them via the Post Results section of Edexcel Online as in previous exam series.

Key dates