Menu
08/02/2013
Gove Presses On With GCSE Reforms
Michael Gove and schools minister David Laws will press ahead with reforms to the GCSE examinations as early as 2015.
The news comes despite yesterday’s announcement that the exams would not be renamed and merged under a single examination board.
The government has initially proposed to scrap GCSEs and create an English Baccalaureate Certificate (EBC) after Mr Gove was warned some exam boards would go bankrupt.
It was revealed the bankruptcies could have led to some boards suing the Department for Education for breaching EU procurement rules.
The Minister was accused by many of committing a U-turn on the policy, after he admitted the changes would have been "a bridge too far".
But in his defence he said: "When the arguments overwhelm me and I recognise that I am wrong, I think it best to retreat. We only make progress in this life when we know when to cut our losses."
But changes will still be made to GCSEs from September 2015 in the core subjects so exams are taken at the end of two years rather than in stages.
There will also be an end to 'tiered' GCSEs with the scrapping of the foundation paper, where the maximum grade possible is a C.
English and history will now test "extended writing", while internal assessment and the use of exam aids will be kept to a minimum.
(IT)
The news comes despite yesterday’s announcement that the exams would not be renamed and merged under a single examination board.
The government has initially proposed to scrap GCSEs and create an English Baccalaureate Certificate (EBC) after Mr Gove was warned some exam boards would go bankrupt.
It was revealed the bankruptcies could have led to some boards suing the Department for Education for breaching EU procurement rules.
The Minister was accused by many of committing a U-turn on the policy, after he admitted the changes would have been "a bridge too far".
But in his defence he said: "When the arguments overwhelm me and I recognise that I am wrong, I think it best to retreat. We only make progress in this life when we know when to cut our losses."
But changes will still be made to GCSEs from September 2015 in the core subjects so exams are taken at the end of two years rather than in stages.
There will also be an end to 'tiered' GCSEs with the scrapping of the foundation paper, where the maximum grade possible is a C.
English and history will now test "extended writing", while internal assessment and the use of exam aids will be kept to a minimum.
(IT)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
31 January 2013
Plan To Scrap GCSEs Heavily Criticised
MPs have strongly criticised government plans to scrap GCSEs in key subjects in England. The government said it was "making major changes to ensure we have world class exams that raise standards". However, saying changing "too much, too fast" could threaten exam quality, the Education Select Committee voiced concerns about the timetable for change.
Plan To Scrap GCSEs Heavily Criticised
MPs have strongly criticised government plans to scrap GCSEs in key subjects in England. The government said it was "making major changes to ensure we have world class exams that raise standards". However, saying changing "too much, too fast" could threaten exam quality, the Education Select Committee voiced concerns about the timetable for change.
11 June 2013
Gove Announces Changes To GCSE System
Michael Gove has revealed details of his latest education overhaul, which he claims will help UK pupils compete “with the best in the world". In 2015, GSCE course will be longer be graded on coursework, students will instead sit final exams after two years of study. The grading system will also change from A* – G, to 8 – 1.
Gove Announces Changes To GCSE System
Michael Gove has revealed details of his latest education overhaul, which he claims will help UK pupils compete “with the best in the world". In 2015, GSCE course will be longer be graded on coursework, students will instead sit final exams after two years of study. The grading system will also change from A* – G, to 8 – 1.
16 June 2010
Ofqual 'Rejects' New Science GCSEs
Exam boards have "not gone far enough" to redraft new science GCSEs after Ofqual said they are still not hard enough. Ofqual has sent the new-look science exams back to the awarding organisations for more work to bring them up to the required standards.
Ofqual 'Rejects' New Science GCSEs
Exam boards have "not gone far enough" to redraft new science GCSEs after Ofqual said they are still not hard enough. Ofqual has sent the new-look science exams back to the awarding organisations for more work to bring them up to the required standards.
21 June 2012
Leaked Document Reveals Gove Plans To Scrap GCSEs
A radical shake-up of the exam system has been revealed as Education Secretary Michael Gove plans to scrap GCSEs for England and return to O-level style exams.
Leaked Document Reveals Gove Plans To Scrap GCSEs
A radical shake-up of the exam system has been revealed as Education Secretary Michael Gove plans to scrap GCSEs for England and return to O-level style exams.
03 September 2012
GCSEs 'Unfair' This Year Admits Michael Gove
Education Secretary Michael Gove has admitted that GCSE students in England were treated unfairly this year. The boundaries between C and D in GCSEs in England were moved part way through the year, leaving many students with lower grades than they had been predicted.
GCSEs 'Unfair' This Year Admits Michael Gove
Education Secretary Michael Gove has admitted that GCSE students in England were treated unfairly this year. The boundaries between C and D in GCSEs in England were moved part way through the year, leaving many students with lower grades than they had been predicted.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
