To not understand English curriculum -exams

[Englishexams]

I was reading that you have to take science GCSE, why this and not geography or history for instance? What about people who don’t get science nor are going to do anything with it.

I don’t get why you need GCSE and A levels. I really don’t get English education. Why 13 years, isn’t this a lot?

Why national security is exams in year 6,11, 13?

Should them they teach all subjects until year 12 and children choose and do exams for English and maths and 3 other subjects of the children choice?

I don’t get the English curriculum, kids are overloaded with exams. I wonder if they are actually learning something or just learning for the tests only.

You are correct about all of this. It's a farce!

The exams in Yr6 are there to monitor standards in primary schools.

Main exams used to be at 16. 17 and 18yos don't need to be in school, just in education, training or employment. GCSEs are the qualifications for school leavers.

Why science... it was deemed important. But its only English or Maths thats asked about.

A levels aren't the only level 3 qualification... but most popular for university entry.

Most secondary schools are encouraged to follow the international baccalaureate collection of subjects; compulsory English, maths, science, usually a choice of history or geography (though some schools have students do both) and a language. School performance is worked out based on how students perform in their subjects, however these baccalaureate subjects are weighted more heavily so schools put more emphasis on them.

I've been teaching for 15 years and I've definitely seen a shift towards teaching to the exam, even students get a bit nowty if they are doing a lesson that isn't 'worth it' for the exam- this is partly why it's hard to drum up interest and support for subjects like Life Skills, PSHE or Citizenship.

The whole system hasn't had big changes for a long time, it probably does need a good overhaul, but schools can only do this if the pressure put on them for exam results changes too.

It baffles me too. I went to school in continental Europe. We had no exams until the equivalent of GSCE in year 9 (compulsory native language, modern foreign language of choice and maths + 1 elective subject. I think I took philosophy). You then had two more years of "A Levels" where you continued to attend wide curriculum but could chose a specialisation. In my school, the available options were modern foreign language, literature, maths and chemistry. We attended all other lessons together but were split into our specialism groups on Thursday morning and had 6 hours of our chosen subject (45 min blocks with 15 min rest break between each). I think our education was a lot more well-rounded with a lot less testing.
Not sure where we are in terms of international league tables, though, so this is my very subjective opinion. Judging by my step kid's experience, they don't even seem to learn about world history and international literature. It's been endless Shakespeare and English kings and queens so far.