GCSEs are changing

Supporting you through the changes

We offer a range of support, developed following extensive research and consultation with teachers.

Support materials

OCR is working with teachers and other subject experts to develop new support materials for every specification. They're designed to save you time while you're preparing for the new specifications and to support you while teaching them.

The following documents will be available from December 2008:

• Sample schemes of work and lesson plans booklet.
• A Teachers' Handbook containing generic and subject specific information, a resources list and frequently asked questions.
• A Guide to Controlled Assessment to help teachers plan for controlled assessment, task marking, administration and regulations.

Innovations for 2008/2009

OCR strives to make it easier for teachers to access information and support quickly. Innovations for 2008/2009 include:

• Network meetings offer an opportunity to share good practice as well as innovative teaching and learning methods.
• Candidate style answers to SAMS for selected subjects from January 2009.
• Virtual classroom - available from Spring 2009, teachers will be able to book subject specific sessions with online facilitators and qualifications staff.
• Controlled Assessment Consultancy helping you every step of the way in preparation for this new type of assessment (from September 2009).

Useful links

• GCSE specifications
• Endorsed publisher partner resources
• FREE INSET training courses
• e-communities - online networks of subject specialists for sharing knowledge, views and ideas.
• Interchange - a completely free and secure website that helps you carry out the administrative tasks associated with examinations quickly and easily.
• Past examination papers
• Mark schemes
• Email alerts - more information on the 14-19 changes.

FREE training

To get the up-to-date and comprehensive information you need for your GCSE subject, attend one of our FREE GCSE INSET training sessions.

At the INSET events you'll:

• Be able to access information about the changes to your subject area
• Have the opportunity to meet subject specialists and ask relevant questions
• Receive a copy of the new specifications and learn more about how Controlled Assessment is being introduced in most subjects
• Meet the publisher for your subject and order free evaluation packs, including sample resources
• Receive all accredited specifications on a CD plus additional information about the 14-19 reforms affecting GCSEs
• Receive information on the FREE training events for your subject and region.

GCSE Expos

We're holding more than 400 nationwide FREE 'Get Ready' events until December 2009.

Working with publishers

We endorse a range of published resources to ensure you have plenty of support when teaching our qualifications. We’re also working with our three publisher partners – Heinemann, Hodder Education and Oxford University Press – to guarantee availability of a wide range of innovative resources for all GCSE subjects, from January 2009.

You’ll be pleased to know that these resources – tailored to the new GCSE specifications – will be produced in partnership with, and endorsed by, OCR.