There are two big new changes at KS4: the new grading system and the Progress 8 and Attainment 8 measures.
New Grading System
The new GCSE (9–1) will not use the old A* - G grading system, instead the highest grade will be a 9 and the lowest a 1. This measure was intended to raise the standard of GCSE, and gives these new qualifications their name; GCSE (9–1). Under the new system a grade 7 would equate to an old style low A, and a 4 to a low C. The grade 9 is designed to be a higher grade than the A*. The new grading system is explained in a useful DfE factsheet.
Graphic from DfE factsheet
The original proposal for awarding grade 9 was that it would be awarded to the top 20% of students achieving a 7 or above, however there was concern from the education community that this could disadvantage (or advantage!) students taking certain subjects due to the nature of those cohorts. This was pointed out to the DfE and Ofqual, and they amended their plans. Whilst fewer students will get a grade 9 than previously got an A*, the way it will be awarded has been designed to take into account the nature of different subjects' cohorts. Latin and Classical Greek often get (unfairly) thought of as a harder subject, and there have been rumours that it could be more difficult for students to get the top grades they might deserve, but this myth can be laid to rest; it won't be harder to get a Grade 9 in the Classical Subjects than in any other subject.
Attainment 8 and Progress 8
The Department for Education has implemented a new secondary school accountability system which includes two main measures based on eight qualifications; Attainment 8 and Progress 8. Progress 8 aims to capture the improvement of students from the end of primary school to the end of secondary school, and Attainment 8 measures students' success at KS4. These eight qualifications should be made up from Maths, English, three that count towards the English Baccalaureate (EBacc), and three further qualifications that can be GCSE qualifications (including EBacc subjects) or any other qualifications on the DfE approved list.
Graphic from DfE factsheet
Latin, Classical Greek and Ancient History are EBacc subjects, which is great news as students can take them as one of their EBacc choices not just as one of the 'open group' subjects. Classical Civilisation counts only in the 'Open Group', along with subjects like Religious Studies and Music.
A really useful factsheet about the Progress 8 measure is available from the DfE.
We have developed the following documentation to help schools with the changes to Latin GCSE specifically.
Our overview of the new courses offered by Educas and OCR, and their support can be found in the relevant sections.
