The aim is to make the exam 'tougher' by which I presume they mean that the material examined will be more advanced. Some believe that it just means the exam will offer fewer pass grades and the format, a single three hour paper, is less user friendly. (Languages and science subjects will have some interesting problems with that format.)
The question for economists is, will this raise educational standards and so make the workforce more capable? If the answer is yes then the capacity of the economy will increase and the prospect of a more competitive and faster growing economy is in prospect (in about twenty years time it should really kick in!)
But for most educators it is a huge step backwards which will exclude the less able and those not so good at three hour exams which would include many of the most able.
Further there is a huge missed opportunity. Everyone will be compelled to stay in education until 18 when the new exams begin in 2015. So why is there a 16 year olds exam at all? Why not concentrate on education rather than hoop-jumping and have exams at 17 and 18.
Some will say that the Education Secretary has no grasp of modern education and is a throwback to an earlier age. Neanderthal.
I do not think that it will necesarily lead to a more educated workforce, even in the long run as it does not seem effective. The three hour exams seem to be a joke, simply a memory test and only those who can regurgitate what has been told will succeed. Plus, it must be remembered that most forget what they've learned for their exams in less than a month after- although I do understand that GCSEs ought not not to be a mickey mouse qualification. The main problem is what of those who fail, especially as more of them will do so. A lot of these kids only need GCSEs to get on with the next part in life- do apprenticeships. This too is another supply side policy through training. By extending the compulsory age of education, they are prevented from entering the workforce until another 2 years which seems unfair. The educstion secreatary seems to be going about things the wrong way- improved quality of educaion is needed, not tougher exams. -Tolu Ogunyemi
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