New assessment methods will fit in with the ways that people choose
to study and work.

We understand that written examinations are not always the best way to measure what someone has learnt, so we are at an advanced stage with trials for different types of e-assessment. We have started to work with schools and colleges to trial on-screen assessments and aim to introduce viable internet-based assessments.

We are also working with teachers on how they are developing the curriculum in different ways, using the flexibility schools have to make the curriculum their own. For example, we have published guidance on how teachers can; adapt units from the schemes of work to suit pupil needs; combine units from different subjects; and embed mathematics and English into other subjects to make learning more coherent, vivid and engaging.

The introduction of GCSEs in vocational subjects such as health and social care, applied business and applied ICT provides an early opportunity to gain a broad understanding of a vocational area and can smooth the progression to further education, training or employment.