Why are English state school students sitting 100% examination for GCSE English Literature and English Language, when independent schools and the rest of the UK have the option to submit internal assessments?
When Michael Gove was Education Secretary he claimed his ideology was to create an English system for English students studying English texts. He wanted to improve standards, and believed that to do so meant a return to the O Level style examination paper. The GCSE English Language and English Literature examinations are now 100% examination. He also insisted that there be a single entry for all examinations in the June of Year 11. He said that we needed grades 9-1 so that universities and employers could identify the very top students and that a Grade 9 would equate to an A**, Grade 8 an A* an Grade 7 an A.
Unfortunately, what has evolved is that this ideology has been dumped on the STATE ENGLISH school system and NOT on the private schools who are free to take the international GCSEs. Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland have reviewed the changes, and are all keeping an element of internal assessments – thus leaving English state students at the mercy of 100% examinations.
The Differences between Private and State Schools
It was demoralising enough when it emerged that the independent sector could still sit IGCSE in 2017, when the state sector had to rush through with 100% examinations. This means that they can still take advantage of 40% coursework, 20% Speaking and Listening and 40% examination for another year – NOT a level playing field. But, the assumption was that they would have to sit the Grade 9-1 examinations in 2018. As a profession we have been under the impression that all students would be sitting the new style examination ESPECIALLY at private schools so they can EVIDENCE and CONFIRM to universities and employees that their students are ‘truly the best’.
Imagine my shock when I downloaded the Edexcel (Pearson) International GCSE for English Literature and English Language Grade 9-1, first sitting 2018, only to discover that their new curriculum has an option for:
- 40% coursework for English Language;
- 40% coursework for English Literature.
YET it is still going to be awarded Grades 9-1. Therefore it will appear to be the same – but it is in fact very different.
Pearson claim, ‘The qualification supports seamless progression to further study, with up-to-date content reflecting the latest thinking in the subject. It is comparable to the UK reformed GCSEs in terms of the level of demand and assessment standards.’
There are two issues:
- Independent schools can do 40% coursework for GCSE English Literature and English Language – THIS IS NOT COMPARABLE;
- State schools HAVE to sit their examinations in JUNE –whereas this IGCSE has a June and a January entry – THIS IS NOT COMPARABLE.
50% of English Literature Papers are Marked Incorrectly
To add further confusion, according to the first major study into marking accuracy by Ofqual they have admitted that ‘Nearly half of pupils in English Literature are not awarded the “correct” grade on a particular exam paper because of marking inconsistencies and the design of the tests…’ (Schools Week 16th November 2016)
Consequently, this leaves the English state students at an even greater disadvantage. If the examination is worth 60% and marked incorrectly, there is enough of a cushion for coursework to accommodate this. If it is 100% examination, this will mean 50% of the state school students will receive an incorrect grade for their GCSE. This is undoubtedly unacceptable.
Further Issues:
- The new style of 100% examinations are not fit for purpose for modern life;
- The significant issues linked to mental health and well-being;
- It is UNFAIR – if independent sector students can sit 40% coursework and Ofqual and an international body deem that it is as rigorous as the state schools examinations, why can’t the English state schools have this option?
- How can English state school children hope to achieve a Grade 9 when they are competing with students who can sit 40% of the qualification as coursework?
- It is only ENGLISH state school children who are suffering – Welsh, Northern Irish, Guernsey, Jersey, Scottish and independent schools all have an internal assessment option. Consequently, they will also have a greater advantage in relation to getting jobs and getting into university;
- Gove claimed to want a world-class education system that championed the English – but it has very clearly become a mechanism to suppress the achievements of the students in the English state system.
The Solution – a TRULY even playing field:
- English state schools should have 40% coursework option for English Language and English Literature at GCSE;
- English state schools should have entry options in June and January – so that examinations can be staggered.
I do not think that such requests are too much to ask for. For examination in 2018, the rest of the subjects in the English state curriculum have to follow suit. Most subjects have two examination papers. Adapt one of the papers and make it coursework. Give the state educated students the chances they deserve in life. I have been to see my local MP and supplied her with all of the evidence. She has agreed to write to Justine Greening and ask for an explanation. For the sake of the next generation of young people, this is something that needs immediate reform. We need to ensure that all of our students have the same opportunities.
By C Thomas
December 5th 2016
References:
https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/english-language-2015.html – English State Schools – English Language GCSE – 100% examination
https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/english-literature-2015.html – English State Schools – English Literature GCSE – 100% exmination
https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-international-gcses-and-edexcel-certificates/international-gcse-english-language-a2016. – PAGE 8 of the specification – International GCSE. Students must complete Paper 1 (examination), plus either Paper 2 (examination) or Paper 3. Paper 3: Poetry and Prose Texts and Imaginative Writing – Internally assessed.
htmlhttps://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-international-gcses-and-edexcel-certificates/international-gcse-english-literature-2016.html – Page 8 – International GCSE -Students must complete Paper 1 (examination), plus either Paper 2 (examination) or Paper 3. Paper 3: Paper 3: Modern Drama and Literary Heritage Texts – Internally assessed.
Half of English Literature exam papers not given ‘correct’ grade, Ofqual finds Schools Week Reporter – 15:30, Nov 14, 2016
Northern Ireland’s Re-vision of GCSEs and A Levels – NATE News Issue 12
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