NUT: Ofqual Report into Perception of A-Levels and GCSEs
Commenting on Ofqual’s report Perceptions of A levels, GCSEs and Other Qualifications, Christine Blower, General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers, the largest teachers’ union, said:
“Given that Ofqual’s report shows quite clearly that employers and the general public have confidence in both GCSEs and A-Levels, it really does beg the question as to why Michael Gove has continually tried to discredit GCSEs and called for a complete overhaul of the qualification system.
“The report finds that the general public believes vocational and mixed qualifications are of equal value to academic qualifications. These findings reflect the views of the NUT-commissioned YouGov poll of parents. Once again, it appears that the only person who believes otherwise is Michael Gove, whose support for the English Baccalaureate will exclude vocational subjects. It is essential that any 14-19 system of education recognises both academic and vocational learning.
“It is hardly surprising that last year’s GCSE marking fiasco caused concerns. An estimated 10,000 students who took their English GCSE exam in June 2012 missed out on a C grade as a result of decisions by the examination boards. These students achieved exactly the same standard as their classmates who had been awarded a C grade just a few months earlier. It is very clear to the NUT that a great injustice has been done. The Education Secretary should have taken the lead from Wales and ordered the re-grading of those affected.
“As with everything, we can always improve our education system. Michael Gove simply does not understand how teaching, learning and assessment works. He has already been forced to make a humiliating U-turn on some aspects of the EBacc. There is equal concern over his draft proposals for the National Curriculum, where he has largely ignored expert advice in favour of the opinions of a few close advisers.
“We need a time of serious reflection and consultation to work out the best way to be educating millions of children, not the endless ill-thought out reforms favoured by the Education Secretary. Michael Gove needs to stop posturing and listen to those who understand education.”
END PR87-2013
For further information contact Caroline Cowie on 0207 380 4706 or 07879480061
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