Important information on Edexcel GCE A-level and Edexcel International Advanced Level

Edexcel has been continuing to work with Ofqual and with our customers to make sure students have the best choices. We would like to update you to make sure you understand the options available.

THE EXTRACTED MESSAGE FROM EDEXCEL:

Edexcel International AS/Advanced Level As we announced previously, we are developing a new suite of A-level qualifications called Edexcel International Advanced levels, which are available for first teaching in September 2013. This suite will contain a January and a June exam series, and continue to offer a modular structure. The subjects initially available will be: Mathematics Science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) Economics Business Accounting Law

The first exams will be in January 2014, with the exception of Law which will remain available in June only. It is our intention to continue to develop the range of subjects available, and we will keep you informed of progress.

Edexcel GCE A-level Our Edexcel GCE A-level will continue to be available, however as this suite is regulated by Ofqual, it will no longer contain January exams. You may choose some subjects from the Edexcel International AS/Advanced Level and some from the Edexcel GCE A-level to give your students the breadth of choice and flexibility they need. Students completing their course in 2014 Students who need to complete their Alevels in January 2014 We understand the removal of January exams represents significant problems for students who need to complete and cash-in their full A level in January 2014 for university entry. Weve been working to find a suitable resolution and we are pleased to let you know that we now have an answer for many of these students.

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All units currently available in January will be available for one final sitting in January 2014. This option is only available for the subjects where we are offering an International Advanced level alternative. For all other subjects, exams will be available in June only. January 2014 exams, based on the existing Edexcel GCE A-level specification, will be available in the following subjects: Mathematics Science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) International units only. Economics Business Accounting

Students can therefore cash-in as planned in January 2014 to complete their Edexcel GCE A-level qualification. If this option is taken, please note the following points: The specification and assessment remain unchanged; therefore you should continue to prepare your students for their final January exams in 2014 in the usual way. Students will be awarded an Edexcel International Advanced level, regulated by Pearson, instead of an Edexcel GCE A level. This is because Ofqual has made a decision that the regulated Edexcel GCE A level qualifications can no longer include a January exam series. All entries for January 2014 must be accompanied by a cash-in code.

Students wishing to complete their Edexcel GCE A-levels in June 2014 The solution above has been agreed for specifically students who must complete their course in January. Other students who are planning to complete their A-levels in June 2014, will not be able to sit an exam in January 2014, but will still be able to complete their course in June 2014 as planned. We appreciate this is a challenging time for you and your students and we would like to thank you for your continued support. Your local representative is available to answer any questions you may have and to fully support you through this difficult transitional period.

Find out more about following subjects: Biology, Chemistry and Physics Mathematics Economics Business Studies

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