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Private schools raise concerns about modular GCSEs

Posted on 19th August 2008

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Private schools have raised concerns about plans to introduce new modular GCSEs.

According to the Daily Mail, independent school leaders fear the breaking up of the assessments into smaller units will be detrimental to teaching and increase pressure on staff and pupils.

Under the reforms, students will take exams after one year and be given the chance to resit them in the second year.

Secretary of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference of elite schools Geoff Lucas told the paper that the changes, due to be implemented from next year, 'will be an additional nail in the coffin for GCSEs as far as many of our schools are concerned'.

He added that he believes this will encourage more schools to opt to introduce the International GCSE, which has been likened to the more traditional O-levels.

Professor Alan Smithers of the University of Buckingham has said he expects the overall pass rate of GCSE results - due to be released on Thursday - to increase from last year.
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