Menu
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)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
16 June 2010
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.
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.
25 August 2011
'Record-breaking Results' For GCSE Students
Around 750,000 students across England, Wales and Northern Ireland received their GCSE results today in another year of record-breaking results. The number of top grades awarded to students has risen every year since the exams were first introduced in 1988 and it was revealed that just under 70% of results were awarded a grade between A* and C.
'Record-breaking Results' For GCSE Students
Around 750,000 students across England, Wales and Northern Ireland received their GCSE results today in another year of record-breaking results. The number of top grades awarded to students has risen every year since the exams were first introduced in 1988 and it was revealed that just under 70% of results were awarded a grade between A* and C.
11 September 2012
GCSE English Grading Controversy Continues
There have been "major flaws" and unfairness in this year's GCSE English grades, head teachers' leader Brian Lightman has told MPs. The comments come as the Education Select Committee investigate claims that grades have been manipulated downwards.
GCSE English Grading Controversy Continues
There have been "major flaws" and unfairness in this year's GCSE English grades, head teachers' leader Brian Lightman has told MPs. The comments come as the Education Select Committee investigate claims that grades have been manipulated downwards.
27 March 2009
GCSE Science 'Not Challenging Enough'
England's examinations watchdog has issued a warning that standards in the new GCSE science exams has fallen. Ofqual stated that mathematics and English literature has been maintained, though science was "clearly a cause for concern".
GCSE Science 'Not Challenging Enough'
England's examinations watchdog has issued a warning that standards in the new GCSE science exams has fallen. Ofqual stated that mathematics and English literature has been maintained, though science was "clearly a cause for concern".
03 July 2012
Stop Exam Boards Fighting To Offer The Easiest Exam, Says Education Committee
After a long inquiry the UK Parliaments Education Committee has concluded that competition between exam boards creates significant pressure to drive down standards in exams and that the time is right for fundamental reform.
Stop Exam Boards Fighting To Offer The Easiest Exam, Says Education Committee
After a long inquiry the UK Parliaments Education Committee has concluded that competition between exam boards creates significant pressure to drive down standards in exams and that the time is right for fundamental reform.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Dry, bright start this morning with best of sunshine in the west. Thickening cloud over Down and Antrim this morning with a few showers, extending westwards this afternoon. Lighter winds. Maximum temperature 16 °C.Tonight:Rather cloudy and mainly dry at first, then showery outbreaks of rain extending westwards to most places during the night, turning heavier towards morning. Light winds. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
