Exams regulator approves 181 GCSEs

England's new exams regulator Ofqual has approved 181 GCSEs covering 60 different subjects for teaching from 2009.

GCSEs, which are taken by youngsters aged 14-19, will now be more in line with A-levels, which have been modular since 2000, and will mean teenagers can re-sit units and improve their grades.

In many cases, traditional coursework has been replaced with "controlled assessment" which means pupils will complete projects towards their final grade in class rather than outside of lessons.

There has also been a move towards introducing more varied questions in exams, which will encourage candidates to explain and analyse and give extended written answers.

The subjects include history, geography, classics and languages. GCSE science has already been revised and maths, English and ICT specifications will be reviewed and accredited next year.

Ofqual said the qualifications have been reviewed to ensure that the exams fit with the new secondary school curriculum.

Kathleen Tattersall, chair of Ofqual, said: "The GCSE is a well-established qualification, understood and valued by young people, parents and employers.

"These new GCSEs, will ensure that all young people are able to demonstrate their skills, knowledge and understanding when studying for a qualification that meets their individual needs. The inclusion of controlled assessment and more varied question types will ensure that GCSEs continue to stretch and challenge young people.

"As these new qualifications are introduced I want to reassure students, teachers, employers and the public that Ofqual will ensure that the GCSE standard is maintained. It is vital that young people, who work so hard to gain valuable qualifications, get fair, reliable and consistent results."

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