GCSEs are to stay!

[SPBInDisguise]

I didn't see that coming. Sorry if there's a thread already, I did look.

story here

I looked as well, and only found yours. I am so delighted, as DD2 would've been one of the guinea pigs!

Oh that's good then.
While I think GCSEs have their own issues, it's time to stand still and improve what we've got for a little while, rather than more reform.

Absolutely, and I think the devaluing of subjects like art and drama is stupid.

I was pretty much forced to do maths and science subjects at school, as that's what the "bright" children did. There was no emphasis on being a good all rounder, or on choosing the subjects you enjoyed.

DD1 is currently choosing her options (form due in on Monday) and her school have really encouraged a wide range of subjects, outside the compulsory ones. You really have to argue your corner if you want to do Latin and two MFL, for example. (Although they would let you, if languages were your passion.)

When I heard this I just thought thank god someone has seen sense. Would love to have seen Gove's face when he was told

I'm really, really glad!

DH teaches RE and wrote to Michael Gove about the terrible effect the EBacc would have on his subject by not classifying it as a "humanity" under the previous proposals - I'm sure he will be overjoyed to hear this.

personally glad to see this idea gone but would like to see something done about GCSE's where i think we need to change the emphasis back to nearer the old o level. certainly ebac was never the answer - everyone told him, he listened and he changed it so good on him for doing that.

apparently it's not a U turn though, just putting the brakes on lol

Living abroad I don't know the details of what the proposed changes would have meant, or what the situation with GCSEs is these days, but I think it's important for all children to take maths and at least one science up to the age of GCSE. I had to when I was at school in England. I don't thonk other subjects should be devalued, but in comparison with other European countries, where maths and science are considered very important, British children will be at a disadvantage if they haven't got a good grounding in them.

Not really surprised.

There was all this talk of O-levels, which the vast majority of the population never passed/took, and no explanation of what every body else was going to do.

Agree that GCSE's could be improved, but clearly they were no where near being able to offer a practical alternative.

My DS has just chosen his options based on doing the E Bac

I wonder if he's going to rethink them now and if choosing something else will even be possible.

Lots of mucking around for the school but I agree with the scrapping.

Oddly enough, he wants to be an RE teacher!

Excellent news - so teachers can just get on with teaching and a fortune saved on new books/training/bla bla bla.

Argh. DD just chosen options according to EBacc. I wonder if they will be allowed to choose again now? I do just wish they would stop messing about with it and give teachers a chance to get on (and get used to) what they are doing from one week to the next....

My DD's just chosen her options too - and I'm glad things will be more settled for her and her younger brother. I think any changes need to be taken slowly as there are always children in the system who will be affected (sorry is that an "a" I want there ?) I didn't really understand the proposals anyway, but agree with some that he always seems to be harking back to some fondly remembered past age that didn't really exist. And little mention of any child with special needs or learning difficulties - it's all "Every child should be able to ..." - though noticed in his speech today he was more inclusive being careful to say "Most children with good teaching ..."

I think any children who have been choosing their options partly in light of proposed changes should have an opportunity to re-think them if they want to.

I'm pretty sure my DD will still be happy with her options though as they are History, Geography, and Art on top of many that are compulsory at her school.

Why on earth can they not just leave things alone, make a decision and stick to it.
It doesn't really give a parent much faith in state education.

Worra RE is a perfect choice - he will need the patience of a saint to endure all this f*wittery

I have never known a govt change its mind about all its policies as much as this one....it's a scattergun approach which really isn't working for anyone. TBQH I think we could sit down and make more rational and realistic policies without the benefits of the 'experts'.....

Relieved for DS though as he's already showing a greater aptitude for the Humanities than Sciences, even in Year 7....

Latin was for the chop too ....
not now
phew

quote from our head: "great news". SM in grammar county - tho we outperform the grammars on quite a few areas...

I think the measure that was brought in 2 years ago and is used in the league tables - 2 sciences, maths, english, mfl and history/geography will remain. Its the new new proposed EBac (brand new exams) that is for the chop. So Gove's original new old EBac measurement may still be used in future to give a child some sort of certificate. We ignored this when DD1 picked her options as the universities didn't seem bothered about it.

The ebacc that has been scrapped isn't the ebacc that current Y9 students will have had one eye on when taking their options. Gove caused a hell of a lot of confusion by calling the new o-levels and the simple league table measure of academic subjects the same thing.

I think it's good to study some humanities as well as sciences up to 16 (and obviously English and Maths too, and probably a language though they're not my nor DD's greatest strength)
Personally I think there's been a bit too strong a push for the sciences over the humanities. I think we need to think and learn about the world around us in terms of history and geography. And people should be more free to follow their strengths and interests.
Personally I regret dropping history at O level, and not choosing a more humanities based degree, as even a generation ago I was strongly encouraged to study the sciences. I was interested in those too, but I think I needed more balance, and more advice/ opportunity to consider my options.
I think anthropology or geography (or some mix thereof) would have been the best subject for me at Uni on reflection.