SIR – The school bell may have finally rung on the GCSE exam with its continual assessment system.
Reform intends to transform the educational landscape to resemble the 1980s which in the eyes of many saw the sunset of credibility on the examination system.
While educational programmes should respond flexibly to the ability of young people as well as to set robust standards and targets, [Secretary of State for Education] Michael Gove’s reforms in which we step back to a traditional exam such as the old O-level style are dangerous to the aspirational health of tens of thousands of less academically inclined kids.
Not all children are fairly assessed this way with its high tension in a silent examination hall.
Some who in normal conditions can produce impressive and coherent work go to pieces under such pressure.
The message will be translated by many people, not least the children, that you are either someone who passes your exams or a failure.
There is no apparent plan for a second type of exam such as the CSE nor, it seems, any meaningful expansion of an alternative programme for the less academic.
The political elite behind these reforms – who themselves were high achievers – should spare a thought for the likely outcome for the significant number who will struggle to succeed in these new exams.
If these reforms lead to a higher number of long-term young unemployed that is the last thing anyone needs.
Instead, reforming zeal should be finding imaginative ways of engaging pupils in a way that is amenable to their aptitudes and not placing idealistic emphasis on academic standards.
ANDREW BROWN Worcester
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