GCSE coursework – no marks

In its formal response to the government's summer consultations on GCSE reforms, the awarding organisation OCR has called for an end to coursework marks counting towards GCSE results. OCR explains that while it fully supports practical work at this level, it shares the concerns of many teachers in how practical science is currently assessed. In short, 'direct' teacher assessments are difficult to manage, open to abuse, and in many cases have a negative impact on the teaching and learning experience of students. Under OCR's proposals, practical work in science would be part of the subject specifications, but the knowledge gained through this kind coursework would be assessed 'indirectly' through the final written exams, as is currently the case for iGCSE science.