To think that Gove has no idea of the impact his latest policy has on yet another cohort of pupils

[June2008]

Mr Gove has no idea what his new policy will do to yet more pupils. That only the first time a pupil takes an exam will count towards the overall results. Those children that thought they would be doing an exam in a few weeks time may well not be after today's announcement. No retakes to count.

While I actually have no problem with the principle of the idea, why introduce it half way through a gcse course?

This is going to bring about some real soul searching from teachers and school leaders.

Aibu to think that he should leave alone the pupils who are half way through their courses and introduce it for those taking the terminal exams in 2015?

I usually dislike Gove with a passion but, timing aside, I also agree with this move. I have seen too many pupils made to sit maths (and other subjects) 2 years early, get a c grade and then decide maths is not for them. The only reason to do this as far as I can see is to improve the school league table position and does the child no favours at all.

Terrible timing, but hopefully the new measure should put a stop to it

am glad to see this practice stopped too. sgree constant exams aged 13-16 a grim practice and just seems to remove a level playing field.

Sassy - well the school in question actually said last week they will continue, although I think they knew Gove would clobber them. They already do iGCSE as well as GCSE English for some students; and were planning to enter some this summer year10, not expecting them to pass so they had a chance to sit in November as well as June next year.

Some schools though may try to find ways of saving money in the post 16 resit groups, as their results won't help the league tables; even though it is compulsory for the students.

I'M a teacher and at my school we take exams at the end of year 10 and two in year 11 those who get a c early get taught to do the higher. Those who don't get a c receive lots of intense help and support.

It's a load of crap that Gove likes spreading that those who get a c are forgotten. Students must still get their fftd and their three levels of progress. I've seen teachers turn themselves inside out for the higher pupils.

I'm in maths btw

Interesting Reading

Not a Mail link. Apologies for not adding that up there! ^

Thanks, that is a good article.

Michael Rosen has written many good letters to Gove. He really hates him.

music good to hear this. Sadly this isn't generally the case in my experience. My job takes me into schools all over the country and I have seen lots of children with bs and cs ignored. Often in very well thought of schools.

Incidentally I was on the same train as Gove this morning, just a few seats away. I had to restrain myself from telling him what I think about some of his other policies!

Hackmum that is quite correct. The speaking and listening grades counted towards the November exam but not the summer 2014 one. This latest change means that less children will be entered for the November exam and all the s and l work they have done will count for nothing.

To all those bemoaning multiple exam entries most of the pupils I teach actually like to take two exams (in most subjects that is all they do) as it gives them an idea what a "real" exam is like - they don't really care about the mocks, most of my pupils (English) say the November/January exam helps them focus on what they have to do to achieve in all subjects.

Sadly this year and from now on they will not be doing that! as however much teachers care it will come down to SLT and Governers decided what makes the school more marketable.