Return to two tier system?

Discussion and advice on GCSEs

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ourmaminhavana
Posts: 966
Joined: Mon Sep 07, 2009 11:14 am

Return to two tier system?

Post by ourmaminhavana »

What do we think of this?!....

http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/201 ... gcse-exams" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
pheasantchick
Posts: 2439
Joined: Tue Jun 02, 2009 10:28 pm

Re: Return to two tier system?

Post by pheasantchick »

I heard it on the radio 1 this morning. My immediate thought was do we need a two tier system? I experienced the o-level /cse years. The syllabuses were slightly different. It can mean that borderline pupils can get put in the wrong group and therefore if they suddenly shine, will not be able to gain a higher grade then earlier predicted.

Also, In grammar school areas, it will put greater pressure on GS, If they are perceived as o level schools, and non GS as CSE schools. I think it will provide a greater divade.

Although the system worked in the past, I don't think changing the system needs such a major upheaval. Cleverer pupils get higher grades,less able get lower grades. I'd prefer the money to be poured into education to improve teaching, motivating the less interested pupils etc rather then trying to 'fix' it with glossy initiatives.
Looking for help
Posts: 3767
Joined: Thu Dec 18, 2008 11:12 am
Location: Berkshire

Re: Return to two tier system?

Post by Looking for help »

I'm sorry but can these people not leave the things alone for 5 minutes ?

The new style GCSE courses haven't even started yet.

I think Michael Gove is there to provide distraction from the real issues out there .....
Amber
Posts: 8058
Joined: Thu Sep 24, 2009 11:59 am

Re: Return to two tier system?

Post by Amber »

We have a two tier system already with Foundation and Higher level GCSEs.

And no, they absolutely cannot leave it alone. They are politicians - they are paid to do something and they want to be remembered. They never have to account for their decisions as they will be well out of the way by the time their impact has filtered through...if anything is left in place long enough to have any impact at all. That is what you get with an adversarial political system like we have here. We really should get out on the streets and protest - against constant change!
hermanmunster
Posts: 12815
Joined: Fri Sep 15, 2006 9:51 am
Location: The Seaside

Re: Return to two tier system?

Post by hermanmunster »

Agreed - totally fed up with politicians unable to leave things alone for 5 minutes ... the current system may not be perfect but the cost (and aggro and pointlessness) associated with changing it is huge!
yoyo123
Posts: 8099
Joined: Mon Jun 18, 2007 3:32 pm
Location: East Kent

Re: Return to two tier system?

Post by yoyo123 »

and we will never know if it works properly because there will be another " inititaive "along in a few years time anyway

:roll:
scary mum
Posts: 8840
Joined: Mon Mar 15, 2010 3:45 pm

Re: Return to two tier system?

Post by scary mum »

I see there are two threads on this, can a mod combine (Herman, are you busy today :D ?)?
scary mum
Belinda
Posts: 1167
Joined: Thu Nov 08, 2007 10:57 pm

Re: Return to two tier system?

Post by Belinda »

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Last edited by Belinda on Sat Nov 03, 2012 6:10 pm, edited 1 time in total.
scary mum
Posts: 8840
Joined: Mon Mar 15, 2010 3:45 pm

Re: Return to two tier system?

Post by scary mum »

As I said on the other thread, at this rate my 3 DCs will all sit different types of exams - one with modular and some controlled assessment, some coursework, the next one linear and the third one the new style O levels!!

Can't he just leave things alone until we see how the linear ones pan out. There are already 2 levels - foundaton and higher and at least children who mature later can switch from one to the other (wasn't that the original idea behind GCSEs?). Aargh!
scary mum
magwich2
Posts: 866
Joined: Fri Sep 05, 2008 5:33 pm

Re: Return to two tier system?

Post by magwich2 »

ANYTHING at all which sees the end of controlled assessments has just got to be a good thing!
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