GCSE Grades Continue to Slide for Second Year

The recent GCSE exams where 600,000 youths in England, Wales and Northern Ireland sat in had results which continued the falling trend from last year. In the 25 years in which the exam had existed, this year’s had a record marginal fall in overall results.

A* and A results are 22.4% in the total number of entries, a further decline from last year’s 21.3%. Also a decrease over the year is the ratio of the total number of A* to C getters which forms around two thirds of all takers. Association of School and College Leaders head Brian Lightman said that grading standards for key subjects have been raised this year. Their group welcomes it and the toughening of the GCSE but calls on for it to be done in a planned and coherent manner which should be explained to employers, universities and parents. He adds that results could no longer be compared year to year because of there were piecemeal changes over the years.

The hard work by schools, students and teachers amidst the changing and turbulent environment of the exam and the academe is a good news to all, Mr Lightman related. But for the Joint Council for Qualifications, the declining results is not good for the pupils and it is being dictated by league tables’ measurement of the number of students getting C at the lowest in English and maths. This year’s A* to C results in English and maths fell from last year by 0.5 and 0.8 percentage points respectively.

A substantial increase in the number of age early takers of the exams is just one of the many factors contributing to the difference in this year’s results. The JCQ said that this made a difference because age 16 examinees did well than their 15 year old counterparts, especially in science. Another variable in the GCSE this year is the introduction of new challenging specifications in science subjects. This year’s A* to C results in science fell from last year by a subject wide high 7.6 percentage points.

This year’s edition of the GCSE also features the new early and multiple entry in mathematics and the population growth of International GCSE takers. There is also an increase in pupils entering foreign languages and humanities. In autumn 2010, the English Baccalaureate was introduced as a new league table measure. Schools are ranked based on the number of pupils getting good GCSEs in these subjects while also doing so in sciences, English and Maths.

Geography and history GCSE also improved with 19.2% and 16.7% more takers respectively. More pupils study languages with French increasing by 15.5%, German with 9.4% growth and Spanish taking a 25.8% leap. Education Minister Elizabeth Truss pointed out that these subjects create future opportunities for students.

What are the specific and immediate damaging effects of the gradual change in the GCSEs? On the other hand, what are the benefits? What ways can you suggest so that the negative impacts can be minimised? What are your fears, worries or concerns as a GCSE test taker?