A-levels
June 2010 exams
New-look question papers and how our examiners will mark long answers on screen
For exams with separate question papers and answer books, there will be:
- a new numbering system using two digits
- a new-look answer book with spaces for candidates to write the two-digit question numbers.
For guidance and help managing the change, AQA have produced the following support:- Teacher Guide (revised)
- Exams Officer and Invigilator Guide
- Exams Officer questionnaire feedback
- Student Guide.
- GCSE and A2 specimen papers and mark schemes are available for download from the relevant subject pages now. AS June 2009 papers have been reworked as specimens and are now available to view in the past question papers section of the key materials.
You need read no further if you teach components unaffected by these changes.
If you teach any components/units affected by these changes, read about the changes to question papers and how examiners will mark long answers.
A few question papers (mainly legacy GCSE in their last year of operation), are exempt from changes to question numbering but continue to work with the JCQ separate answer book.
These subjects that currently use separate question papers and answer books will become combined question paper answer books in June 2010.
Revised A-level specifications from 2008
These new A-levels are for first teaching from September 2008:
- first AS awards – summer 2009
- first A2 exams and A-level awards – 2010.
To reduce the assessment burden, most A-levels now have four units and coursework is included only if essential for the assessment of particular skills or knowledge.
Stretch and challenge
The new A-levels are designed to engage students in specific ways. The A2 assessments incorporate stretch and challenge: a broad range of question types assessing a wide range of skills. Synoptic assessment means students can demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the subject as a whole and make links between different areas of the subject.
A* grade
The new A* grade rewards exceptional achievement when students have both:
- grade A overall at A-level
- 90 percent or more on the uniform mark scale (UMS) across the A2 units.
The A* grade is for the A-level qualification only and not for the AS qualification or for individual units.
Advanced Extension Award (AEA)
The last AEAs were in June 2009, except for Maths which continues until 2012.
The new A* grade recognises the most able students and additional stretch and challenge is provided for all students in the A2 units.
Applied A-levels
The structure of Applied A-levels has not changed but stretch and challenge is incorporated at A2 from 2010 as well as the A* grade.
The introduction of the Advanced Diploma means that Applied A-levels may be withdrawn after 2013.
Extended Project
The Extended Project develops students’ research and independent learning skills. It is intended to stretch and engage the most able students and can be taken as a stand-alone qualification – equivalent to half an A-level – or as a mandatory part of the Diploma.
AQA Bacc
The AQA Bacc recognises and celebrates the broader achievements of A-level students. It is awarded to students who have achieved success in terms of A-levels and wider learning and enrichment activities.