What are the differences between exam boards for GCSEs and A’levels?

[adamandeta]

Why do schools use different boards? A friend has given dd her dc’s old revision books but she’s noticed they’re different boards than the ones her school uses (eg she’s doing AQA geography, this book is Edexcel). Is there much difference? Surely it would make more sense if all dc sat the same exams.

I mark for one exam board and teach another. The skills tested are the same but the questions are different. In my opinion it is important to use a revision guide/teach the exam board the student is sitting. While the material may be the same the expectations of what they write in each question is different so they may be confused.

Thanks @susiethecat
Can I ask you, is it worth her practicing past papers from other boards when revising (after she’s done all the ones from her boards)? Or will that be counterproductive?

This is a long running debate. Different exam boards give more choice and flexibility. For example we’ve chosen a board in my department that has a much more diverse range of texts for English Lit GCSE and because they change the texts every three years. In the past we’ve switched boards when there are reforms to A level and GCSE choosing what best suits our schools l in some subjects, like History, the periods studied can vary hugely. If everyone had to do the same it would be quite restrictive. As it is the Government seem dead set on deskilling teachers. We are currently considering changing to a different board for English Language as we’re getting fed up with some of the taught content. It’s always been this way in the UK.

Definitely don’t do this. As other poster has said mark schemes can be quite specific in their requirements.

What year is she in? If year 11 I think at this stage it might confuse her to be honest. I teach English so can't really speak for other subjects but the English exams are so packed with questions it's really important to understand what each question is asking you to do and how to structure your response for each question and this differs depending on exam board. There would certainly be no harm in using the material though, for example, using the Macbeth extract from one exam board and analysing it.

As other poster has said mark schemes can be quite specific in their requirements.

Especially biology.

That’s really helpful thanks. She’s year 11 and was going to do past papers then move onto different board so very grateful for your input.

Stick to revision guides for exams she's sitting and past papers for exam board she is sitting.

Agree with others broadly, esp in terms of mark schemes and exam structure; but would say that for my subject (MFL), once you have exhausted AQA past papers, which won't take long, it's useful to use esp reading and listening tasks from other boards as practice. Just be aware that the question format will differ - but it's still useful to have the audio and texts.

I think it depends on the subject. I do use old papers from other exam boards where the content still applies to the new board/specification, but I have to check carefully. In that regard, Music is similar to @clary 's MFL with the basic language/sounds applying to any board.