One of the first steps taken by GCSEPod was to examine the vocabulary that will appear in the new exams. Unlike previous formats, the vocabulary in these exams is now explicitly outlined, which means students will be assessed on their ability to understand and use these words. In response, GCSEPod based many of its new resources around this vocabulary, offering listenings, dictations, and comprehension exercises focused on these specific terms. This will undoubtedly help students become familiar with the language they are expected to use in their exams.
The resources have been carefully structured to align with the exam boards offering the new specifications, such as Edexcel, AQA, and WJEC Eduqas. Each exam board's curriculum has been divided into themes, and within each theme, students will encounter various topics that cover grammar at different levels. The programme begins with simpler grammatical structures, such as the present tense, and progresses toward more complex concepts, including the subjunctive and impersonal verbs. The design of these resources suggests an intent to cater not only to students aiming to meet the minimum requirements but also to those who seek to challenge themselves and deepen their understanding of the language.
Moreover, it’s clear that Access GCSEPod has placed a strong emphasis on the new dictation requirements within the listening exam. The inclusion of phonics training across different topics appears to be a strategic move to improve students' listening and pronunciation skills. Dictations, as part of this phonics focus, are intended to help students grasp some of the more challenging aspects of the language. Furthermore, the integration of listening to native speakers and offering answers for self-correction seems to be a well-thought-out approach to boosting both listening and reading skills—essential components of the speaking exam, where students are required to read texts aloud.
In addition to phonics and dictation exercises, the resources also provide ample opportunities for students to practice their comprehension skills. Each topic contains reading passages with questions to assess students' understanding. Listening comprehension is also addressed through videos and audio clips, with questions designed to test students' ability to comprehend spoken language. As with the phonics exercises, GCSEPod ensures that students can check their answers after completing the activities, which is invaluable for reinforcing their learning.
It’s clear that Access GCSEPod has put considerable thought into how the new qualifications will affect students and teachers. By focusing on essential vocabulary, grammar, listening, and comprehension skills, the resources aim to provide a comprehensive support system for the challenges posed by the new exam format. If successful, this initiative could greatly benefit both teachers and students as they navigate these changes.