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07/02/2013
Government Abandons GSCE-Scrap Plans
The UK government has abandoned plans to scrap GCSE subjects in England and Wales and replace them with English Baccalaureate Certificates.
Education Secretary Michael Gove announced the changes in the Commons.
He said the plans had been "a bridge too far".
The move follows criticism from MPs and teachers.
Labour's shadow education secretary Stephen Twigg said it was a "humiliating climb-down".
Plans for the new qualification had been announced in September.
The move follows a report by the Commons education committee which said the changes would mean "too much, too fast".
The new English Baccalaureate Certificate was supposed to have a tougher syllabus, with exams at the end of the course.
Mr Gove told MPs: "Last September we outlined plans for changes to GCSE qualifications designed to address the grade inflation, dumbing down and loss of rigour in those examinations.
"We have consulted on those proposals and there is now a consensus that the system needs to change.
"But one of the proposals I put forward was a bridge too far."
Labour has been discussing Mr Gove’s change of plan on Twitter, under the hashtag #EBacctrack.
(IT/GK)
Education Secretary Michael Gove announced the changes in the Commons.
He said the plans had been "a bridge too far".
The move follows criticism from MPs and teachers.
Labour's shadow education secretary Stephen Twigg said it was a "humiliating climb-down".
Plans for the new qualification had been announced in September.
The move follows a report by the Commons education committee which said the changes would mean "too much, too fast".
The new English Baccalaureate Certificate was supposed to have a tougher syllabus, with exams at the end of the course.
Mr Gove told MPs: "Last September we outlined plans for changes to GCSE qualifications designed to address the grade inflation, dumbing down and loss of rigour in those examinations.
"We have consulted on those proposals and there is now a consensus that the system needs to change.
"But one of the proposals I put forward was a bridge too far."
Labour has been discussing Mr Gove’s change of plan on Twitter, under the hashtag #EBacctrack.
(IT/GK)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
