Exam-only GCSE computer science to continue until 2020

Students studying GCSE computer science from this September will be assessed by exam only in 2020, Ofqual has announced.

The assessment arrangements for GCSE computer science were changed at the start of the year due to evidence that coursework information was leaked online. This lead to coursework being scrapped as part of the formal assessment and the subject to be assessed by exam only.

Ofqual says that students must still complete a task set by their respective exam board, but this will not be formally marked and students’ grades will be based on their exam performance alone.

Ofqual says that schools and colleges must confirm to their exam board that they have set aside the required amount of time for students to complete a task and given them the opportunity to do so.

Sally Collier, Chief Regulator, said: “We want to give teachers early notice of this decision so that that they can begin preparations ahead of the summer. We hope that this confirmation is helpful for schools and colleges in planning for the next academic year.”

Later this year, Ofqual plans to invite computer science teachers to provide feedback on the new arrangements and to consult on any proposals for the longer term. This extended timetable will allow us to consider a full range of options.