"For years, rigid rules and a shocking failure rate in compulsory GCSE retakes have been one of the exam system's dirty secrets. At last this dire situation is getting some of the attention it deserves. This year, nearly a quarter of all maths and English language entries in England, Wales and Northern Ireland were for students aged 17 or older on a repeat attempt with just one in six of those retaking maths managing to pass."
"Reforming GCSEs is outside the scope of the review being led by Prof Becky Francis. But a proposal to ditch compulsory resits is on the table. The Sixth Form Colleges Association wants a second attempt to be followed for those who fail by a modular alternative. This would mean students not being forced to endlessly repeat the parts of the courses they have mastered, and focusing instead on the gaps."
Rigid rules and compulsory GCSE resits have produced a shocking failure rate, with nearly a quarter of maths and English entries taken by students aged 17 or older and only one in six retaking maths passing. Jill Duffy of OCR called the situation a crisis, prompting attention and acknowledgement that resits are problematic. Proposals include ditching compulsory resits and offering a modular alternative so students retake only missed units. Opponents, including Nick Gibb, urge schools to emulate top performers. Many experts say GCSEs are poorly designed for workforce entry, containing advanced topics beyond core competencies. Prof Becky Francis's review offers a chance for reform.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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