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21/06/2012
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.
It is understood pupils across England will sit GCSEs for the last time in English, maths, physics, chemistry and biology in 2014, paving the way for more traditional exams modelled on the old O-levels the following year.
Gove has already scrapped the modular element of GCSEs and his education white paper last November signalled a major reform of the exams introduced by the Conservatives a quarter of a century ago.
But the decision to scrap GCSEs altogether and to revive O-levels, though possibly not the actual name, will be seen as one of the government's boldest reforms.
The move was signalled in an internal education department document leaked to the Daily Mail. The document says: "The Department for Education expects that existing GCSEs will disappear … Those starting GCSEs in 2013 are the last pupils who will have to do them."
The education department refused to comment on leaked documents.
As control of education in the UK is devolved, Mr Gove's plans are for England only. It will be up to Wales and Northern Ireland to decide whether to follow suit. In Scotland, pupils take Standard Grades and Highers rather than GCSEs and A-levels.
(H)
It is understood pupils across England will sit GCSEs for the last time in English, maths, physics, chemistry and biology in 2014, paving the way for more traditional exams modelled on the old O-levels the following year.
Gove has already scrapped the modular element of GCSEs and his education white paper last November signalled a major reform of the exams introduced by the Conservatives a quarter of a century ago.
But the decision to scrap GCSEs altogether and to revive O-levels, though possibly not the actual name, will be seen as one of the government's boldest reforms.
The move was signalled in an internal education department document leaked to the Daily Mail. The document says: "The Department for Education expects that existing GCSEs will disappear … Those starting GCSEs in 2013 are the last pupils who will have to do them."
The education department refused to comment on leaked documents.
As control of education in the UK is devolved, Mr Gove's plans are for England only. It will be up to Wales and Northern Ireland to decide whether to follow suit. In Scotland, pupils take Standard Grades and Highers rather than GCSEs and A-levels.
(H)
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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 October 2012
Thousands To Resit English GCSE
Some 45,000 students will resit their English GCSEs next month following a dispute over grades, the BBC has reported. The broadcaster has said figures given to them by exam boards show that the number to resit is about one in 14 of those who took the exam earlier this year.
Thousands To Resit English GCSE
Some 45,000 students will resit their English GCSEs next month following a dispute over grades, the BBC has reported. The broadcaster has said figures given to them by exam boards show that the number to resit is about one in 14 of those who took the exam earlier this year.
03 July 2012
Stop Exam Boards Fighting To Offer The Easiest Exam, Says Education Committee
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16 June 2010
Ofqual 'Rejects' New Science GCSEs
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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.
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