AQA or OCR? Opinions please.

Hi,

What are people's opinions on which specification is better for A-level in terms of results, ease of use, teaching, support etc?

Thanks

Oliver

Obviously, I am going to vote for  the OCR A-Level Sociology specification.  In terms of results (% gained at A and E) they are very similar, although there is more bunching of the marks on a lot of the AQA papers, which means there can sometimes be only 10 marks difference between 2 grades.

I have taught both AQA and OCR and find the OCR spec more manageable in terms of time (particularly unit 4). The OCR specification has a contemporary feel and not theory driven, particularly at AS.  THe markschemes are more user friendly for teachers who are not examiners.  THe specification content is more detailed with suggested guidance about levels of depth and detail.  THere are also indicative schemes of work on the OCR website for each unit.  The e-community at OCR is useful for teachers to voice questions, offer ideas and resources etc.

I am a passionate advocate of OCR Sociology and would be very pleased to answer any specific concerns or questions.

Fionnuala Swann

Chief Examiner, A-Level Sociology

I am less biased.  I have taught and examined for AQA and OCR and really didn't want to move to OCR- new  job meant I had to.  Now, I wouldn't go back to OCR.  it seems a bit messy at first but the culture and identity gives them a good grounding in concepts and if you like theory you can still teach it and students will get credit for it.  Theory is used more in the second unit. 

At A2 - unit four is good as there's a choice of qs and they are fairly broad and you do not have to teach the philosophy of science and general theory bit as no great big question on that. 

However, unit 1 and 3 are fairly demanding- unit 3 requires  2  50 mrk essay qs in 1 1 1/2 hours and requires a lot of analysis and evaluation- the students certainly find the jump from AS to A2 challenging.  However, this is compensated by the unit 4 topic.

The Education and methods in context for AQA is certainly demanding compared to unit 1 for OCR.  The pre release in the unit for OCR gives a focus for methodology which certainly helps. 

OCR is weighted 50 50.  Aqa 60 40 for both AS and A2

I meant wouldn't go back to AQA- oops.

I teach and examine of the AQA spec. I would suggest that if you do use AQA then teach the Culture and identity topic for Unit 1. This then gives them a good platform of theory, key words and terms so that when they come to learn Unit 2, 3 and 4 they already have excellent knowledge of basic marxism, Feminism etc and they can simply reapply it.

Have you considered WJEC?  After years of teaching OCR and AQA I've just moved to WJEC and the kids really like it.  Exam questions are much more accessible to those working at E/D level and the kids working around A/B still have enough scope to achieve that.  Our January results are the best we have had in years.  Also really good support from the board (online resources - even online textbook on ngfl Wales - with interactive activities etc)  Would definitely recommend a look at the spec.