Tory MPs propose English school system overhaul and back ditching GCSE exams
Tory MPs propose English school system overhaul and back ditching GCSE exams
Tory MPs propose English school system overhaul and back ditching GCSE exams
According to a group of Conservative MPs who advocate scrapping GCSEs, introducing longer school days and delaying the start of formal education, the disruption caused by the coronavirus allows for a “radical” rethink of England’s school system.
A paper published by the One Nation party of centrist Conservative MPS is now the latest assault on GCSEs. It argues that England is unusual in making teenagers sit two sets of high-stakes exams within the space of three years, and that this is one of the main causes of high stress levels and unhappiness amongst pupils.
MP for Meon Valley and an author of the report, Flick Drummond, told the Guardian that “It seemed to us that the Covid outbreak was a good opportunity to take another look at the education system and see what we could do differently, and do something radical.” She said that taking GCSEs at 16 no longer made sense, given that most children stay at school until the age of 18.
The paper argues that the preparation for GCSE exams cuts out a large, valuable chunk of pupils learning because of the time that is taken up with revision and mock exams, followed by the exams themselves. “That’s almost six months out of a whole year spent preparing for exams,” said Drummond to the Guardian. She added that she was particularly worried about the impact that the exams have on mental health, referencing a report in August which was backed by the Children’s Society and ranked England 36th out of 45 countries in Europe and North America for wellbeing.
The alternative suggested by the report, is that the exams should be replaced by a baccalaureate, covering several years’ study and allowing children from the age of 15 more time to settle on the subjects that they want to study in the sixth form for A’-levels or vocational qualifications such as apprenticeships and T-levels. It would also allow them to explore potential careers in a structured way.
GCSEs have also come under fire from a coalition of independent and state school leaders, who are launching a group called Rethinking Assessments to campaign for alternatives.
It is said that the One Nation group is supported by around 100 Conservative MPs, more than a third of the parliamentary party, and it is chaired by the former Cabinet Office minister Damien Green.
Drummond mentioned to the Guardian that she was looking to bring the issues established in the paper to the attention of her colleagues in Government. “I’m hoping that it will be taken seriously and discussed. Particularly in the light of Covid, we’ve got an opportunity to look at other countries and ask if what we are doing is working for us and for young people.”
She also said that she wants to revisit the school timetable, bringing it into line with modern life. The changes she would want to propose are lengthening the school day to 5pm so that children can receive further support or do more extracurricular activities, as well as changing the way that holidays are distributed. Drummond said to the Guardian that these changes “could mean that disadvantaged children could get more of the same enrichment opportunities as those from better-off homes. Often now schools finish at 3pm or 3.30pm and then what can they do?”
Other recommendations published in the report include a delay in the age for compulsory schooling to six years old, which would be more in line with other European countries.
Article referenced: https://www.theguardian.com/education/2020/oct/08/tory-mps-back-ditching-gcse-exams-english-school-system-overhaul