Chinese and Japanese AS and A levels: proposed subject content

Closed 31 May 2023

Opened 26 Apr 2023

Feedback updated 28 Jul 2023

We asked

In April 2023, the Department launched a consultation to seek views on changes to the subject content for Chinese and Japanese AS and A levels. The proposals were for English to be used in aspects of these subjects where the language of study may make it too challenging for students to meet the requirements of their tasks.

You said

We welcome agreement from the majority of respondents that the changes would help to improve the fairness of the qualification and would better allow students to demonstrate the skills under assessment.

We did

As a result of the responses, we will make changes to the AS and A level subject content for Chinese and Japanese. The changes will be made for first teaching in September 2024, with first assessment in 2026.

Overview

We're seeking views on adapting the two current subject content documents that cover Chinese and Japanese AS and A levels to indicate aspects of the subject where it is reasonable for English to be used.  

Why your views matter

To provide a suitable post-16 qualification that is accessible for all students, we are proposing small changes to the AS and A level subject content, which will apply only to Chinese and Japanese, as exceptions to the Modern Foreign Language subject content and subject content for smaller cohort languages. We are seeking your views on the proposed changes and the impact they may have.

In parallel with this consultation, Ofqual is consulting on the assessment requirements for AS and A level qualifications in Chinese and Japanese.

Audiences

  • Teachers
  • Headteachers
  • Further education colleges
  • Sixth form colleges
  • Pupils
  • Young people
  • Parents
  • Foster carers
  • Adoptive parents
  • Unions and representative organisations
  • Government bodies and departments

Interests

  • Education
  • National Curriculum
  • GCE AS and A level subject content