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24/02/2012
Four Key GCSE Examinations To Be Made Harder
Concerns over GCSE are becoming easier has lead Ofqual, the Office of Qualifications and Examination Regulation, to order examinations in four key subjects are tightened.
English literature, maths, history and geography are the four subjects to face tougher exams to ensure pupils study the whole of the curriculum.
Glenys Stacy, Ofqual chief executive said, “"We want our young people to have the best possible educational experience, with qualifications that prepare them for the future.
"The exam boards have welcomed this steer from the regulator and are to look again at these qualifications and how the rules are interpreted to make sure that young people taking them have to study an appropriate range and depth of the subject."
Changes to the geography GCSE are to be introduced in September, with maths to follow in November. The changes to English lit and history will come in September 2013.
"We are pleased Ofqual is taking action, “ a Department of Education spokesman said, "We want all exams in England to stand comparison with, and be as rigorous as, those in the best-performing education jurisdictions."
It is understood that the announcement is part of an attempt to move away from teaching to the test and to encourage breadth of study, with pupils learning everything within a course.
(H)
English literature, maths, history and geography are the four subjects to face tougher exams to ensure pupils study the whole of the curriculum.
Glenys Stacy, Ofqual chief executive said, “"We want our young people to have the best possible educational experience, with qualifications that prepare them for the future.
"The exam boards have welcomed this steer from the regulator and are to look again at these qualifications and how the rules are interpreted to make sure that young people taking them have to study an appropriate range and depth of the subject."
Changes to the geography GCSE are to be introduced in September, with maths to follow in November. The changes to English lit and history will come in September 2013.
"We are pleased Ofqual is taking action, “ a Department of Education spokesman said, "We want all exams in England to stand comparison with, and be as rigorous as, those in the best-performing education jurisdictions."
It is understood that the announcement is part of an attempt to move away from teaching to the test and to encourage breadth of study, with pupils learning everything within a course.
(H)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
