Posted: 4th June, 2013. Topics:
As our Year 11’s are in the midst of GCSE exams on this gloriously sunny day (it’s always the same!), I hear that after a generation of GCSE’s – and I still remember O Levels - the Government is proposing to change to a numeric form of grading from 1 to 8 with 8 equating to an A*, doing away with all coursework apart from Science, and reducing the incidence of re-sits. The benefits?
I cannot see any benefits when looking at the wealth of individuals we have at Abbotsholme which argument I am sure is mirrored within other schools across the country. Does every pupil thrive on pressure? No. Does every pupil enjoy long drawn out projects? No. Surely the education system should reflect learning for the individual? Would this reversion to exams, be like the driving test – working towards passing the test rather than actually learning to drive, which is all done after the test – as such in life!
In contrast, going back to the O Level style of exams, could be seen to be good. The world is a pressurised place. Interviews are a form of pressure and thinking on your feet, to gain success first time – no option for a re-sit in an interview! To succeed, pressure is always present. Additionally, teachers could go back to concentrating on teaching rather than guiding pupils through coursework. Pupils would benefit from a reduction in the spoon feeding culture that has become the norm.
So its horses for courses as I am sure our friends in the equestrian centre would agree, as well as the sheep and goats in the farm – who probably would agree the new exam might separate them!
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