Plan to scrap Speaking and Listening from English GCSE...

[Y]

The speaking and listening still carries a mark, and appears on the certificate, but as a separate entry. The Eng Lang GCSE grade is listed with the S&L excluded. So, two marks: one for Eng Lang, one for S&L. Or at least, that's what I understood.

[Marylou]

Ginx - the controlled assessment still counts, it's just the Speaking and Listening module that has been taken out of the equation when it comes to calculating the grade and will now be listed separately, as Y said.

[ginx]

Thank you, Mary Lou. I think I finally understand! I am fairly slow.

[Amber]

Thank you, Mary Lou. I think I finally understand! I am fairly slow.

No you're not - 'an initiative a day' is the slogan of British education policy - no one can keep up. And you would be well advised not to learn it by heart, as it may well change again by Christmas.

[Marylou]

Thank you, Mary Lou. I think I finally understand! I am fairly slow.

No you're not - 'an initiative a day' is the slogan of British education policy - no one can keep up. And you would be well advised not to learn it by heart, as it may well change again by Christmas.

Many a true word...

[ginx]

Marylou and Amber, you're right. Apparently I am wrong.

Controlled assessments are worth 20% and not 40%. Talking to ds1 again. Of course, he may not be reliable. I give up!

[Marylou]

According to our letter, under the 2013 rules English Language marks will be awarded as follows: written controlled assessment 40%, written exam 40%, speaking and listening 20%. This changes in 2014 to written controlled assessment 40%, written exam 60%, speaking and listening 0% of exam marks but still assessed and certificated separately.

Hope this makes it a bit clearer - it certainly did for me as I was a bit confused as well!

[ginx]

Thanks, Marylou! I won't mention Speaking and Listening or English ever again! I do hope you're right as that suits my son best.