37.This requirement will be applied to GCSE qualifications in English literature, geography, history (including ancient history) and religious studies only as part of these short-term reforms.

38.A separate piece of research work is ongoing to evaluate previous approaches to assessing spelling, punctuation and grammar.

39.The changes required will impact on the mark schemes and raw mark totals for the affected units. It will not change the number of questions or question types used.

40.Awarding organisations will identify the units where there is a requirement for sufficient extended writing to enable the accurate application of the Performance descriptions. We are proposing that awarding organisations should also indicate to candidates which questions will involve the assessment of accurate spelling, punctuation and use of grammar.