Guidance

Subject-by-subject support for GCSE, AS and A level students in 2022

Overview of the support being provided for each qualification for students taking GCSEs, AS and A levels in 2022.

Applies to England

Additional support this year

A package of support has been put in place for students taking GCSE, AS and A level qualifications in summer 2022. It is intended to make sure that we are being as fair as possible to students given the disruption they have experienced, and many continue to face, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Part of the changes includes more generous grading this year to provide a safety net for students who may have been impacted by the pandemic.

Advance information might look different for different subjects because of how they are structured and assessed, but as far as possible the exam boards have made sure the approaches within a subject are the same.

These changes apply in England and to Ofqual regulated qualifications taken elsewhere.

Exam boards have published specific information about the changes for each qualification they offer, you should check their websites for more information:

GCSEs

Where we list changes for subjects in 2022, we only list what has changed, not what is remaining the same.

Ancient history, GCSE

Changes for 2022

  1. Exams will cover less content than usual.
  2. In the exams there will be a choice of topics on which students must answer questions.
  3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Art and design, GCSE

Changes for 2022

  1. The qualification will be assessed on the portfolio only, there will be no externally-set assignment.
  2. Exam boards are allowed to carry out moderation by photographic and digital portfolio.
  3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Astronomy, GCSE

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Schools and colleges are allowed to deliver observational activities by demonstration.
  3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Biblical Hebrew, GCSE

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Biology, GCSE

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Teachers can deliver practical work by demonstration.
  3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Business, GCSE

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Chemistry, GCSE

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Teachers can deliver practical work by demonstration.
  3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Citizenship studies, GCSE

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Exam boards will provide guidance on citizenship action in a socially distanced context.
  3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Classical civilisation, GCSE

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Classical Greek, GCSE

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Combined science, GCSE

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. A revised equation sheet has been provided for teaching and learning.
  3. A clean copy of the equation sheet will be provided for students in the exams.
  4. Teachers can deliver practical work by demonstration.
  5. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Computer science, GCSE

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Dance, GCSE

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Non-exam assessment requirements have been relaxed.
  3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Design and technology, GCSE

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Non-exam assessment requirements have been relaxed.
  3. Teachers can demonstrate processes and use of machinery and tools.
  4. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Drama, GCSE

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Non-exam assessment and associated content requirements have been relaxed.
  3. Students can watch streamed or recorded performances instead of live theatre and can analyse and evaluate these performances in the exams.
  4. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Economics, GCSE

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Electronics, GCSE

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Engineering, GCSE

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Non-exam assessment requirements have been relaxed.
  3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

English language, GCSE

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Speaking assessment does not have to be recorded and can be conducted virtually and by a single teacher.
  3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

English literature, GCSE

Changes for 2022

  1. Exams will cover less content than usual.
  2. In the exams there will be a choice of topics on which students must answer questions.
  3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Film studies, GCSE

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Non-exam assessment requirements have been relaxed.
  3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Food preparation and nutrition, GCSE

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Non-exam assessment requirements have been reduced.
  3. Preparation and cooking techniques can be demonstrated by teachers.
  4. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Geography, GCSE

Changes for 2022

  1. Exams will cover less content than usual.
  2. In the exams there will be a choice of content on which students must answer questions.
  3. There will be no questions on the student’s fieldwork experience.
  4. Fieldwork requirements have been relaxed.
  5. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Geology, GCSE

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Fieldwork requirements have been relaxed.
  3. Teachers can deliver practical work by demonstration.
  4. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

History, GCSE

Changes for 2022

  1. Exams will cover less content than usual.
  2. In the exams there will be a choice of topics on which students must answer questions.
  3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Latin, GCSE

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Maths, GCSE

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. A formulae sheet has been provided for teaching and learning.
  3. A clean copy of the formulae sheet will be provided for students in the exams.
  4. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Media studies, GCSE

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Non-exam assessment requirements have been relaxed.
  3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Modern foreign languages, GCSE

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. No requirement to use words not on the vocabulary list.
  3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Music, GCSE

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Non-exam assessment requirements have been relaxed.
  3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Physical education, GCSE

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Non-exam assessment requirements have been relaxed.
  3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Physical education (short course), GCSE

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Non-exam assessment requirements have been relaxed.
  3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Physics, GCSE

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. A revised equation sheet has been provided for teaching and learning.
  3. A clean copy of the equation sheet will be provided for students in the exams.
  4. Teachers can deliver practical work by demonstration.
  5. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Psychology, GCSE

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Religious studies, GCSE

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Religious studies (short course), GCSE

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Sociology, GCSE

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Statistics, GCSE

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

AS and A levels

Accounting, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Ancient history, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Art and design, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

  1. The qualification will be assessed by the portfolio only, there will be no externally-set assignment.
  2. Portfolios can be moderated by photographic or digital methods.
  3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Biblical Hebrew, A level

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Biology, AS

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Teachers can deliver practical work by demonstration.
  3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Biology, A level

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Requirements for the assessment of practical activities have been relaxed.
  3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Business, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Chemistry, AS

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Teachers can deliver practical work by demonstration.
  3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Chemistry, A level

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Requirements for the assessment of practical activities have been relaxed.
  3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Classical civilisation, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Classical Greek, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Computer science, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Dance, A level

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Non-exam assessment requirements have been relaxed.
  3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Design and technology, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Non-exam assessment requirements have been relaxed.
  3. Teachers can demonstrate processes and use of machinery and tools.
  4. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Drama and theatre, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Non-exam assessment and associated content requirements have been relaxed.
  3. Students are allowed to watch streamed or recorded performances instead of live theatre and can analyse and evaluate these performances in the exams.
  4. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Economics, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Electronics, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

English language, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

English language and literature, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

English literature, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Environmental science, A level

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Fieldwork requirements have been relaxed.
  3. Teachers can deliver practical work by demonstration.
  4. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Film studies, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Non-exam assessment requirements have been relaxed.
  3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Further maths, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Geography, AS

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. There will be no questions on the student’s fieldwork experience.
  3. Fieldwork requirements have been relaxed.
  4. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Geography, A level

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Fieldwork requirements have been relaxed.
  3. Exam boards will review their guidance relating to primary data for the independent investigation.
  4. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Geology, AS

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Fieldwork requirements have been relaxed.
  3. Teachers can deliver practical work by demonstration.
  4. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Geology, A level

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Fieldwork requirements have been relaxed.
  3. Requirements for the assessment of practical activities have been relaxed.
  4. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

History, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

History of art, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Latin, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Law, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Maths, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Media studies, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Non-exam assessment requirements have been relaxed.
  3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Modern foreign languages, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Music, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Non-exam assessment requirements have been relaxed.
  3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Music technology, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Non-exam assessment requirements have been reduced and relaxed.
  3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Philosophy, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Physical education, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Non-exam assessment requirements have been relaxed.
  3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Physics, AS

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Teachers can deliver practical work by demonstration.
  3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Physics, A level

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Requirements for the assessment of practical activities have been relaxed.
  3. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Politics, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Psychology, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Religious studies, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Sociology, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Statistics, AS and A level

Changes for 2022

  1. Information on some of the exam content has been provided to help students focus their revision.
  2. Examiners will build in generosity for students when setting grade boundaries.

More information is available from the exam boards:

Background to these changes

Full details of the changes we have made to our rules can be found in the decisions for the consultations ‘Proposed changes to the assessment of GCSEs, AS and A levels in 2022’ and ‘Arrangements for non-exam assessment for qualifications in 2022’.

Vocational and technical qualifications

Where needed, [awarding organisations are allowed to make adaptations to assessments and qualifications due to the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Schools and colleges have already been told what these changes will be, and you should speak to your school or college for further details about your specific qualification.

Accessible version of diagram

Generous grading

Exams will be graded more generously this year providing a safety net for students.

Changes to coursework

Non-exam assessment and fieldwork requirements adjusted, with flexibility in some subjects.

Optional content

There will be less content or fewer topics for students to learn in some GCSEs.

Support materials

Students will get formulae and equation sheets in some exams and won’t have to memorise as much.

Advance information

Exam boards will give information on the focus of exams for most subjects to help students revise.

Published 7 February 2022
Last updated 7 February 2022 + show all updates
  1. Links through to the detailed information from each exam board have been added to each subject.

  2. First published.