2008 developments

Preparations are now well under way for the start of teaching the new hybrid course in September 2008. Edexcel will be offering specifications in A-level Economics & Business course or A-level Business Studies. Units 1 and 3 are common to both, while Units 2 and 4 embody the specialist content.

Here is some background information about all this.
Forthcoming changes to A-level

Early indications from teachers who have studied the Edexcel specifications are very favourable. The content looks manageable. Much of it looks familiar, and the transition from the existing joint subject course should present few difficulties. The specifications have been described as 'a breath of fresh air'.

See Jo Benthams detailed review.

Resources and training

At their training events, Edexcel unveil their shiny booklets with the specs and specimen questions and their new 'Getting Started' title. This provides many ideas and useful resources which will help teachers in the early stages.

For Edexcel training, specification, specimen questions and 'Getting Started' teacher support material see Edexcel website.

For hard copy, contact Edexcel in the usual way with a phone call to 0844 576 0025 or a message sent via Ask Edexcel.

You can hear Edexcel course developer Ian Marcouse giving a voiced-over presentation about the new specification on this Edexcel web page (see the link bottom right)

Where it is clear that existing Nuffield activities can be used for the new course, these will be updated on this website. We have funding for the rest of this academic year and should be able to re-purpose some of the resources which were developed during the life of the project.

Click here for further information about resources and training

What to expect from the new Edexcel specification

Here are some notes from the Edexcel pack:
* A very accessible AS course with an easy transition process from GCSE work and an approach that is engaging for students.
* Opportunities for very flexible teaching strategies.
* User-friendly electronic resources will be regularly available. The link with Business Review magazine will continue.
* Continued emphasis on investigative approaches.
* Ethical business and the international dimension continue to be important.
* Supported multiple-choice questions in the Unit 1 exam paper will require students to write a short justification for their choice, and/or reasons why the other answers are incorrect, giving good opportunities to demonstrate genuine understanding.
* All exam questions will be based on real-world scenarios and emphasise topical issues, with credit for students using their own judgment to qualify their conclusions.
* Synoptic approaches are required for both Units 3 and 4, i.e throughout the A2 course.

LINK TO new sample assessment materials from Edexcel (May 08)

Download a questionnaire to help you assess this new specification and compare it with others. See Planning for September 2008.