GCSE FGS 2024 Specification Comparison - latest versions

Up-dated Tuesday 23rd April 2024

For each specification since 2008, I have carried out an objective detailed analysis comparing the Awarding Organisations and people have told me that this has been helpful.

While I reorganise my website, I will try to use this blogpost as a home for links to my latest analyses relating to the new GCSE 2024 specification which I will store in my Google Drive as pdfs or Google docs.

Devising high-stakes, summative assessments for very large-scale testing is a skill, and the process of analysing approaches has taught me a great deal about the elements needed for such testing which may not be those we use in a formative, teaching context.  

I think that the AOs have done a superb job in producing these specifications, responding to changes which they did not initiate and about which they were hardly consulted.  

Two of the three AOs have been accredited for French by Ofqual, and I think that the result of the accreditation process has been to make tasks and their criteria more valid, reliable, transparent and inclusive.  Eduqas is awaiting accreditation for French.  The official timeline expects German and Spanish specifications to be accredited by the Summer term.  You can then use the Autumn term to make your decision in preparation for the Year 9 Options process.

I hope this document is of help to someone, if only as a starting point for asking questions.  Any kindly worded suggestions and corrections welcome! (Every time I check I find a mistake!) On Twitter I am  @HelenMyers 

It would also be great if you could join ALL if you are not already a member!

Here is a list of documents which relate to the new GCSE 2024.  They are stored in my Google Drive. They are under regular review, and when I edit a document, I upload it again and it has a new link. 

LATEST VERSION: Up-dated Tuesday 23rd April 2024 

1. Link to 'At a Glance' comparison (word) (Revised 7/11/23) Now out of date as Eduqas has withdrawn - see new link number 17
2. Link to detailed specification comparison (20/4/24: Now out of date as Eduqas has withdrawn - see new link number 16(V12 - updated 15/7/2023)
3. Link to Verb analysis - which verbs needed, anchor verbs + those which pattern them (word)
4. Link to Grammar - itemised to facilitate review (spreadsheet)
5. Link to document detailing YouTube video Playlist. (new 15/7/23)
6. Link to Presentation for Teachmeet Icons, Manchester Saturday 7th October 2023 (New 7/10/23)
7. Link to ALL London webinar page (with links to YouTube video, pdf of presentation, chat etc) (New 26/10/23)
8. Link to spreadsheet comparing defined vocabulary of AQA and Edexcel.  Use tab 'comb sort'.  NB - this is work in progress- we plan to refine it!  But it may be that others have already done a better version, in which case I will pause! Credit to David Blow for his spreadsheet skills!  (Revised 8/11/23)  Vocabulary spreadsheet key 
9. Link to AQA GCSE 2024 Foundation Formative Criteria for Dictation, Speaking and Writing  (Revised 7/11/23)
10. Link to AQA GCSE 2024 HigherFormative Criteria for Dictation, Speaking and Writing (Revised 7/11/23)
11. Link to Edexcel GCSE 2024 Foundation Formative Criteria for Dictation, Speaking and Writing (Revised 7/11/23)
12. Link to Edexcel GCSE 2024 Higher Formative Criteria for Dictation, Speaking and Writing (Revised 7/11/23)
13. Verbs and tenses revision course (reference for learners, links to Flippity games + classroom routine dialogues) (New 8/11/23)
14. Link to Presentation for Ely schools 9th November 2023 (458 slides!!!)  (New 11/11/23)
15. Link to Presentation at Language Show 11th November 2023 (180 slides) (New 11/11/23)
16. Link to detailed specification comparison - AQA and Edexcel (New 20/04/24)17. 
17. Link to 'At a Glance Comparison ' - AQA and Edexcel (New 20/04/24)
18. Link to 'Resourcing the new GCSE' (New 23/04/24)