Changes to GCSE exams..can any teachers out there tell me...

[mumalot]

I know there was a proposal that GCSE's would all stop being modular plus exams and change to one big final exam at the end of Year 11 just like old-fashioned o'levels. Does anyone know if this going to happen? Is it for all subjects? My oldest DC is currently Year 8 so trying to understand which system they will be/likely to be under for their GCSE's.

New GCSE specifications are being introduced which limit resits (or at least change how resits can be used) and give a minimum proportion of the assessment units that must be taken at the time of certification (40% for Science at least). Not necessarily all in one sitting, unless the school chooses that option of course.

mumalot there is a national curriculum review currently underway and new programmes of teaching will start from September 2013. It is likely that these may involve a return to linear qualifications as Gove has stated a preference for these in the past - however with this imetable it would be unlikely to affect your eldest DC.