Proposed changes to the assessment of mathematics, physics and combined science GCSEs in 2024
Applies to England
Download the full outcome
Detail of outcome
Ofqual has decided to implement the proposals set out in the consultation document. The majority of respondents were in favour of students being given formulae sheets for GCSE mathematics (95% agreement) and revised equation sheets for physics and combined science (96% agreement). No issues were raised by those responding to the consultation that have made it necessary to revise the proposals.
Ofqual has changed its rules to require exam boards to provide students with support materials in the form of formulae and revised equations sheets for GCSE mathematics, physics and combined science exams in 2024 only. The support materials will set out the formulae and equations that students must memorise in a normal year, as set out in DfE’s subject content and as presented on the sheets provided for 2022 and 2023. Ofqual’s updated conditions require exam boards to:
- publish the formulae and equation sheets in January 2024 so that students may become familiar with them before the exams
- provide clean copies with their 2024 exam papers
This means the formulae and equation sheets to be used in 2024 exams will be the same as those used for exams in 2023. As such, before the exam boards republish the sheets in January 2024, students and teachers may access exam boards’ 2023 sheets for practice purposes, if they wish.
The decision relates to GCSE mathematics, physics and combined science exams being taken in 2024 only. For GCSE mathematics this will apply to exams taken in November 2024.
DfE has confirmed that 2024 will be the final year for these changes to its subject content requirements. There will be a return to normal exam arrangements for these subjects in 2025. This means that formulae and revised equation sheets will not be available after 2024. Students preparing for GCSE mathematics, physics and combined science exams in 2025 and beyond will be expected to know and recall all the usual formulae and equations set out in DfE’s subject content.
Feedback received
Detail of feedback received
Ofqual consulted on the assessment arrangements for GCSEs in mathematics, physics and combined science in England in 2024. Ofqual’s consultation sought views on whether the use of formulae and revised equation sheets, as used in 2022 and 2023 for GCSE mathematics, physics and combined science, should be continued for students taking these exams in 2024.
Ofqual received 21,181 responses to the consultation.
The majority of respondents strongly agreed or agreed that:
- a formulae sheet should be provided in the exam room for GCSE mathematics in 2024
- a revised equation sheet should be provided in the exam room for GCSE physics and combined science in 2024
Ofqual’s proposal was in response to an announcement by the Department for Education that it is not necessary for students taking exams in 2024 to memorise all the formulae for GCSE mathematics or equations for GCSE physics and combined science, as they must in a normal year.
Original consultation
Consultation description
Ofqual invites your views on proposed adaptations to the assessment of GCSEs in mathematics, physics and combined science for students in England taking exams in 2024.
The Department for Education (DfE) has confirmed that in view of the disruption students may have experienced, it is not necessary for them to memorise formulae for GCSE mathematics and equations for GCSE physics and combined science in 2024, as they must in a normal year. Therefore, Ofqual proposes carrying forward from summer 2023 the provision of support materials, in the form of formulae and revised equation sheets, in the exams for GCSE mathematics, physics and combined science.
Documents
Last updated 19 December 2023 + show all updates
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Published analysis of consultation responses and decisions
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First published.