How many schools are pulling students out of the November exams? (Thanks Mr Gove.....)

[singinginthelifeboats]

Just wondered..

I had a letter today from DDs school today saying that they are not changing any plans to put pupils in for English and Maths exams in November despite the fact that these results will now be the ones that count for the league tables.

They say that they want children to have the opportunity to have an English exam where Speaking and Listening is a component as it helps some kids but also because they recognise that it is important for some children to be given a second chance to improve their grades.

My DD is on the SEN register as she has complex and significant language processing problems and we really hope that she gets the Cs as, if she does, she can then concentrate on the other subjects - if you are wondering how a child with these difficulties might even be expected to get a C, I can tell you that a) she works very very hard and b) has had some amazing help/input - and, of course the speaking and listening bit is the part she does well in!

I am in parts furious....how dare Michael Gove change the goalposts YET AGAIN!!! And also very grateful that DD goes to a school that is brave enough to do this. As far as I can see there are many many schools that are just pulling children out of the November exams with the resultant chaos and confusion.

Now I am not totally against reform of the educational system and yes, I do see that being able to enter and exam more than once (or twice) could be a way that schools 'cheat' the system (although if the system wasn't the way it was maybe they wouldn't feel the need to cheat? But that's another debate) But to do this when children are right in the middle of the most stressful time at school, when schools have made careful teaching and revision plans based on the current system - that's cruel!! Any reforms must be done slowly so that schools can plan and adapt.

Blood pressure is rising!

[Mumoftiffingirl]

My DD's school has pulled nearly the whole year group (year 10) out of the November exams. Only one English group will sit English in November, luckily DD's. DD has dyslexia and so will be disadvantaged otherwise, currently sitting on a potential A grade, also suffers with exam nerves. The school hasn't bothered to tell the other parents that the spoken etc will no longer count, though they told the kids verbally.

[Mumoftiffingirl]

Forgot to name change - not Tiffin!

[singinginthelifeboats]

It's just the way the whole thing has been done at such short notice that bothers me. (Although I'm NOT a fan of Gove...might as well say that!)

I work in children mental health and the chaos all these changes are causing is NOT helping! Coming home this evening and finding that my DD could have been affected - but fortunately hasn't - has really got me angry!

[hellsbells99]

DD's (yr 11) school is still going ahead with English in Nov and 3/4 of the year group are also doing maths (the other 1/4 incl DD did it in year 10).