Minister Decides Against 'Linear' Only GCSEs

Northern Ireland has decided not to follow England in changing the structure of the GCSE examination.

England, last week ruled to have students sit exams at the end of the two year course but NI's education Minister, John O'Dowd has decided that schools here will be free to choose between unitised GCSEs (where assessment can be taken throughout the two years) or linear GCSEs (where assessment happens at the end of the two-year course).

The Minister said: "I believe that schools are best placed to make decisions in light of what they believe is in the best interests of their pupils. For some schools, the unitised option may be the most suitable, while others may feel the linear route is more appropriate.

"Many of the views expressed during the consultation here, and in the workshops held with school leaders, acknowledged that whilst many of the issues identified in England might well exist, unitised GCSEs have only been in place here for two years in some subjects. It was therefore felt that change of this nature was too early and the decision to change by Michael Gove did not appear to have been taken on the basis of clear evidence or educational justification."

In terms of spelling, punctuation and grammar, the Minister added: “There will be a small number of additional marks (5%) available in English literature, geography, history and religious studies for spelling, punctuation and grammar. Criteria for assessing how these marks should be allocated will be made clear in guidance produced by the awarding bodies in consultation with the Qualification Regulators.”

The Minister concluded: "This is a good example of locally accountable government working in practice. We looked at what was happening in England and took the views of stakeholders here into account before deciding on the best way forward. The standard of GCSEs here and in England is exactly the same and it is vitally important that we ensure this continues to be the case and that learners can avail of higher education and employment opportunities across these islands."

(LB/GK)