From deep within a further qualifications reform consultation, we have learnt that ministers have taken the decision not to approve the ICT GCSE and A Level for redevelopment for first teaching from September 2017. This is because, according to the DfE, the reformed Computer Science GCSE and A Level occupy a “similar qualification space”.*

The consultation containing this announcement seeks views on the reformed content for the remaining subjects for first teaching in September 2017. These subjects are:

• Physical Education GCSE short course
• Geology AS and A
• Politics AS and A.

Ofqual is consulting in parallel on the assessment arrangements for these qualifications.

The deadlines for responses to the consultations are 15 December 2015 and 4 January 2016 respectively.

*The announcement from the DfE not to redevelop ICT GCSE and A Level will be disappointing news for some. OCR would like to reassure teachers looking for alternatives that, alongside our computer science qualifications, OCR will offer Cambridge Nationals in ICT and Cambridge Technicals in IT for teaching beyond 2018.