We were delighted with the GCSE results of our students this Summer. Almost universally, they improved dramatically in the subjects they were tutored by a Clarendon Tutor.
But will that be the case in the future?
No don’t worry – this isn’t self doubt creeping in. The quality of Clarendon Tutors is only going one way, with better training, tougher vetting and improved resources. We are talking about the fate of GCSEs themselves.
Last week, Ian Emerson, deputy head at Latymer Upper, announced that Latymer would be dropping all GCSEs except for Maths and English from 2027 in favour of its own qualifications. This marks the beginning of a potential trend for independent schools opting out of all but the compulsory GCSEs, with Bedales, a school that already offers some of its own qualifications, moving further in this direction. From 2025, Harrow will offer its own Harrow diploma, made of unexamined courses, electives and what would currently classify as co-curricular pursuits.
Why?
- Latymer thinks the current GCSEs don’t push students hard enough. With 55% of students at Latymer getting 9s, Emerson feels that these courses can push students to the levels of 10, 11 and 12, which, besides being marketing speak, also suggests that these courses will foster deeper learning.
- Now that the school leaving age has been raised to 18, the relevance of GCSEs is seen as questionable by some.
- GCSEs rush staff and students alike, delivering a lot of material in a year and a half, as most schools finish the syllabus halfway through year 11. Many schools feel that this manic cramming doesn’t engender learning; it simply teaches students to pass exams.
What will replace them?
Shorter courses, as well as traditional subjects, will be taken and skills will be tested through interviews, spoken exams, presentations and projects, as well as a few written tests.
What are the potential positives?
- If well delivered, students will have the opportunity to learn a greater variety of topics.
- Students with a different array of talents will be given a chance to shine
- Curriculums will follow the passions of the teachers, which could be very inspiring for students.
- The skills being tested may be more in line with a workplace that values a greater area of skills – presenting, project delivery etc.
What are the potential downsides?
- It’s dangerous to predict what type of workplace these students will find themselves in.
- For a while, universities may struggle to adapt in the admissions process and may stick to what they know.
- So much depends on the teachers and the quality of syllabus – which won’t be as independently verified as current GCSEs – will be patchy.
- The examination of skills will be highly subjective.
- They will favour outgoing students with great presenting skills (standby for the inevitable rush for drama tutors polishing presenting skills).
