News on GCSEs

[Lillie]

RedVelvet, I think these changes are much more likely to go through from media reports. Apparently Labour have said they would not block these changes if there is a change of government before their implementation. The current style of GCSEs are definitely going to change, one way or another.

[Amber]

Why are we testing children nationally at 16 anyway? Other countries, notably Finland, do not. The school leaving age is not until 18 now so this seems a redundant exam.

That is the best question which has been asked on this forum for a good while. It's not just Finland - virtually nowhere else tests children at this stage. And most countries have a leaving certificate, comprising many different aspects, at 18 or whenever the school ends. The only answer policy makers here seem able to give is that it would be hard to motivate children to go to school without exams, which seems rather an indictment of the education system to me.

[sbarnes]

will the current year 8 be immune form these changes please?

[scary mum]

will the current year 8 be immune form these changes please?

Yes, they are sandwiched between DS1 (GCSEs but not quite) and DS2 (new style exams). My lucky, lucky boys

[SteveDH]

will the current year 8 be immune form these changes please?

Yes, they are sandwiched between DS1 (GCSEs but not quite) and DS2 (new style exams). My lucky, lucky boys

However I think the marking will be a bit harder then previous years.. so beware..

[scary mum]

will the current year 8 be immune form these changes please?

Yes, they are sandwiched between DS1 (GCSEs but not quite) and DS2 (new style exams). My lucky, lucky boys

However I think the marking will be a bit harder then previous years.. so beware..

Why do you think that?

[sbarnes]

I would suggest the opposite, final year of the current GCSE's, lets give them a leaving present...I wish and pray

[mystery]

It's not the school leaving age that is now 18, it's something else.

[mystery]

It's not Mr Gove's fault he is so ugly.

[Guest55]

GCSE results are now 'capped' by each cohorts attainment at KS2.

This, incidentally, is another good reason to ensure your child does well in them! If the cohort is perceived as 'weak' the GCSE % A* to C will be lowered.