WE have had some very disappointing news this week.
NAWE have been informed by the AQA exam board that it has not been possible to draft subject content for AS and A-level Creative Writing that meets DfE’s guidance and Ofqual’s principles for reformed AS and A-levels.
As a result, a reformed Creative Writing AS and A level will not be made available for first teaching in 2017 and the subject content for Creative Writing will not be part of the Ofqual and DfE consultation planned for September. The last examinations for AS and A-level Creative Writing will be in summer 2018.
The DfE’s guidance and Ofqual’s principles required reformed A-levels to avoid overlap with other subjects, have clearly defined and rigorous content, and be right for progression to Higher Education. It was concluded to be problematic that there are connections between Creative Writing and English, and that Creative Writing is (or could be construed to be) more skills based than knowledge based. Ultimately, this prevented AQA from reforming this qualification.
Sarah White from AQA said that 'the exam board are in the process of contacting schools and colleges who currently offer AS and A-level Creative Writing. They will be working hard to support them until the final award date in 2018.'
NAWE will write to the press and voice our disagreement with the decision, and be part of a wider response to this information. Thank you to all members who helped campaign for its continuation as a subject at this level.
Please sign our petition, started by Dr Maggie Butt
Anne Caldwell