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Original poster

Head of NCETM recommends binning current maths GCSE format for 3 tiers

29 replies

noblegiraffe · 03/02/2018 14:45

Charlie Stripp of the NCETM (National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics) has made some suggestions for improving maths GCSE given the exceptionally low grade boundaries for the higher paper leading to teachers 'gaming the system' by training pupils to spot questions rather than developing their maths ability.

He has suggested switching to a 3 paper system. The lowest paper (let's call it Foundation) would go up to grade 4. The middle paper (let's call it Intermediate) would test grades 4-6 and the higher paper (Higher) would focus on grades 7-9 and really stretch the most able.

The difference between this suggestion and the old three tiers (except being able to get a pass on Foundation which used to go up to a D under three tiers) is that all students would sit 2 out of the three papers. This would make it far easier to set grade boundaries for 4/5, they wouldn't be so ridiculously low, and everyone would get at least one paper where they could really show what they know.

He also recommends a slimmed-down GCSE for resitters which really focuses on what they need to know.

www.tes.com/news/school-news/breaking-news/exclusive-maths-chief-calls-new-slimline-resit-only-gcse

It's worth knowing that the NCETM is entirely funded by the DfE. One can only hope that they listen to him, but that would require them admitting that the new GCSE has been a complete balls-up and they are not very good at that. The TES story includes the obligatory bland DfE quote at the end that everything is fine really.

OP posts:
BigDeskBob · 03/02/2018 16:05

I agree with user. Maths needs to be split into functioning maths, and the maths needed to prepare children for maths and science a levels. Many of the concepts taught in maths are irrelevant for many students and just confused and demotivate them.

But have them as separate GCSEs. When someone applied for a job, I would want to know what mathematical skills they have.

user1471450935 · 03/02/2018 15:48

Hi Noble, can I join to add my humble thoughts please, I am no teacher( not bright enough), but a dad of 2 boys, eldest 18 and youngest 15, at a northern semi rural comprehensive, rated inadequate by Ofsted. I think I may be close to unique on mumsnet, as most use private/excellent schools.
But seeing lots of Ds1 friends get d/e at GCSE and then struggle through college trying to get the c or now 4/5 required by the idiots in the DfE, who couldn't spot a struggling/less intelligent pupil, if they hit them in their face, sadly Ds2 may struggle to get 4/5 in maths & English. instead of foundation papers, leading to at best a grade 4 which still leaves them needing to continue studying to they are 18, would it be better to introduce a functioning maths test
This would teach the lower ability children, the basics and how to deal with money etc, so addition, subtraction, division and multiplication and percentages. So they can function day to day and work in the jobs they want. Then leaving the other two papers to test the higher achievers.
We have to many kids leaving school struggling with maths, who are forced through 2 more years hating maths, learning stuff, they'll never use again, for god sake let them leave with the basics and live the life they want.
I hate Gove and the mumsnetters who only care about high achieving kids the bottom set deserve just as sodding much, and in my humble opinion lots more attention
Then we won't have 1000's of unemployed mainly non SE based kids.
Sorry for rant, but it pisses me right off that this government is happy to throw so many great kids under a bus, to keep private/grammar school parents fucking happy. So much for the JAMS of Brexit

Original poster
noblegiraffe · 03/02/2018 15:19

The Mathematical Association have said that they had to fight with the DfE (Gove) to get two tiers for maths who wanted no tiers for anything.

Politicians shouldn't have any say in the design of the exam system.

OP posts:
GHGN · 03/02/2018 15:14

It should had been like that the last time. Many teachers recommended that option but no one listened as usual.

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