Teachers have expressed dismay that fewer than half the specifications for new GCSEs and A-levels to be taught in England from September are ready. Updated figures from exams regulator Ofqual show 66 out of 156 of the new courses have been officially approved.
Under major exam reforms, new, toughened-up GCSEs and A-levels are gradually being introduced, with the second wave of courses due to be brought in for first teaching this September. This includes key academic subjects such as the three sciences, history and geography, all part of the government's English Baccalaureate measure.
Suzanne O'Farrell, curriculum and assessment specialist with the Association of School and College Leaders, said subject content was available online but teachers also needed full specification details from each exam board, including marking schemes and sample exam papers.
Schools also needed to make a curriculum plan, buy and read textbooks as well as setting up training for teachers in each subject, she added.
Some subjects are completely ready - for example art and design, computer science and music GCSEs. However, no specifications are ready for chemistry, combined science, physics or biology.
The position at AS- and A-level is equally patchy, with most modern languages and religious studies specifications still awaiting sign-off and only one board having been signed off for geography AS- and A-level.
