Response to Ofqual’s consultation on the use of formulae and equation sheets for GCSE mathematics and equations for GCSE physics and combined science in 2024
BATOD response to Ofqual’s consultation on the use of formulae and equation sheets for GCSE mathematics and equations for GCSE physics and combined science in 2024
“The access to high-quality teacher-led delivery and peer-to-peer constructivist learning experiences during the Covid pandemic was significantly disrupted for deaf learners. The extensive period of ‘lost learning’ caused major gaps in the knowledge and understanding that underpins the building blocks required for GCSE mathematics. The provision of a formulae sheet would reduce the cognitive fatigue experienced by deaf learners. In particular for those deaf learners who have lost specialist intervention learning time to enhance their working memory ability. The provision of a formulae sheet may subsequently reduce the associated anxiety and stress experienced by some learners during the intense assessment periods.”
In December 2023, Ofqual posted “Ofqual consulted on the assessment arrangements for GCSEs in mathematics, physics and combined science in England in 2024. Ofqual’s consultation sought views on whether the use of formulae and revised equation sheets, as used in 2022 and 2023 for GCSE mathematics, physics and combined science, should be continued for students taking these exams in 2024.
Ofqual received 21,181 responses to the consultation.
The majority of respondents strongly agreed or agreed that:
- a formulae sheet should be provided in the exam room for GCSE mathematics in 2024
- a revised equation sheet should be provided in the exam room for GCSE physics and combined science in 2024
Ofqual’s proposal was in response to an announcement by the Department for Education that it is not necessary for students taking exams in 2024 to memorise all the formulae for GCSE mathematics or equations for GCSE physics and combined science, as they must in a normal year.
