CBI calls for review of ´narrow´ GCSE examination system

[23.05.2012]

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) is concerned that the existing GCSE exam system is not fit for purpose in UK schools.

Joining calls from a number of private schools for a change to the system used in the majority of schools, the organisation is worried pupils are forced to narrow their options too early.

CBI Director of Education Neil Carberry told the Press Association: "The hypothesis we are working from is young people become too narrow too quickly and that perhaps, given that we have a summative point in the education system of 18, perhaps the model of GCSEs and doing a summative assessment on four terms of teaching at 16 for everybody, is something we need to review."

St Mary's Calne Headmistress Dr Helen Wright has been one of the more vocal critics of the GCSE system, underlining the incredible stress studying for so many separate subjects places on pupils.

Commenting on her blog following the publication of the 2011 GCSE results, she suggests core skills should be tested earlier, to support "real, sustained and sustainable learning" rather than pressurised learning for specific periods.

Posted by Tony Thomas