As one who has been heavily involved in Edexcel’s offering and who attended an inset last year where all three ABs presented, I can only
say that I found OCR’s exactly what Paul and Tim have said and which they admitted – “why fix something that aint broke” – there are of course a lot of assumptions in that comment. If you like doing traditional BS with lots of management theory and the focus
on big business then OCR seems to fit the bill.
AQA seemed to take many of the ideas that had been running in the Business Pilot that Edexcel has been running for the last two and a
bit years. The aim seemed to be increased flexibility and choice but the guy presenting actually got confused himself about the number of options and the routes that were possible. Edexcel is taking the line that we have had two years to learn lessons from
the Pilot centres about the qualification and have tried to incorporate these in the new specs and assessment. The options choices are flexible but simple although only one GCSE can be gained unless you choose the Applied route.
All I can say is that Edxecel has made a concerted effort to improve the qualifications they are offering and the support to teachers
and students as well. Not sure how much this will count in decision-making in different schools. At insets, if I could promise that schools will get the grades they want to satisfy their HODs, Heads, Principals etc. then they would rush to offer the Edexcel
option. Sadly, not too many questions are ever asked about pedagogy, the educational benefits of choosing a particular AB and the joy of teaching and learning about business and economics. Speaks volumes doesn’t it!
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From:
Sent: 14 January 2009 22:50
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: What GCSE syllabus [Scanned][Spam score:8%]
We currently use OCR and are favouring staying with it, but we have not ruled out AQA. We will be attending insets during this term before we finally
decide.
Paul Connery
From:
Sent: 14 January 2009 15:39
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: What GCSE syllabus [Scanned][Spam score:8%]
It is good to see a fresh stream of postings. There is life left in the list yet
J
At school we are reaching a point where we need to decide on a new GCSE business studies syllabus for this September.
It would be good if colleagues could share their own thoughts and perspectives. Each institution will have its own make up and student needs so it is hard to generalise
From first impressions, Edexcel and AQA seem similar offerings. OCR seems to be different and offering continuity with their old syllabus.
Which board are you thinking of opting for and why?
Regards
Richard Young
31 Newland Mill
Witney OX28 3HH
01993 200110 (h)
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