Changing exam boards can be seen as a big decision for a department or as an individual when looking at changing schools. Given that the first run through the new GCSE specification is now complete, you may start thinking post results day about whether the exam board you picked is really right for your pupils and indeed your own specialism(s).

We have mapped the major exam boards against each other in six broad and encompassing topic areas (see below). What this will allow you to do is compare AQA, Edexcel, OCR and CIE IGCSE to see where the lessons and resources you currently have fit into other exam boards.

It is no surprise that physical geography links closely across all four exam boards. Human geography is not as clear cut but with some careful adaptation and minor additions, you can swap exam boards relatively easily.

At my school we have committed to running two sets of GCSE results before considering a change. We currently teach AQA which around 48% of schools have decided to go for. AQA and Edexcel are the most similar of the major exam boards, but OCR and CUIE IGCSE both offer some really interesting topic areas.

If you would like any further guidance or advice on the exam boards and building resources for them, do get in touch.