GCSE from 2010
English 2010

We have an extensive support package, which includes student exemplar materials in addition to our updated specifications and marking grids. We've produced teacher support material which outlines how to manage the change from coursework. There will be controlled assessment network meetings where teachers will be able to meet subject experts and moderators face to face. We'll make these meetings available live on the internet for those who cannot attend, and record them so teachers can view them online later.

We will also produce podcasts on how to implement controlled assessment, plus messages from the Chief Examiners which will be available via Edexcel Online.

We've developed online communities to enable teachers to discuss controlled assessment, and our Ask the Expert service allows teachers to email their queries directly to senior assessment associates.

We are fortunate in having worked with pilot centres for the past four years to develop good practice on which we can build for the future.

Find out about our Controlled Assessment Support Service (CASS)

Schools will develop their own strategies for implementing controlled assessment. For written tasks, for example, the write-up may be spread across a number of lessons. Students can be asked to do research at home, as it has low control.

Teachers should also build on existing good practice on internal assessment and undertake 'internal standardisation' to ensure consistency. When, as in English, you have a large cohort and several teachers marking work, it is very important that the assessment is consistent, as if it isn't this will be picked up in moderation.

Initially, the challenge for teachers is that they don't yet know what the final product will look like; it's going to be different from what they were used to with coursework. The exemplar materials that we're providing will be a big help here.

It is fairer to all candidates, with everybody doing the same type of task and spending the same amount of time on it. It also enables teachers to authenticate students' work as their own, with no doubts. As the work is done under supervision, teachers also have the benefit of not having to chase lost or missing work.

The main difference is that when students produce a piece of work, there are controls in place on the task setting, task taking and time allowed. It ensures a level playing field. Now there is going to be a limited amount of time, and during the write-up phase teachers will keep candidates' work rather than letting them take it home. There is a real focus on the quality of the content.

It's not as different from coursework as some may think. Controlled assessment is like coursework, but completed under more closely defined conditions. We will still provide an assessment grid which breaks the marks down into bands. This is no different from what teachers were used to when marking coursework.