The New GCSE- a worthwhile qualification

The New GCSE- a worthwhile qualification - if you are well prepared!

2017 sees the first examinations in the New GCSE course. Those of us who remember a hot summer revising 2 years’ worth of notes for 150 minute O-Level papers may see this as a fairer assessment. Parents no longer have the chance to proof read coursework essays, finish off the Design Technology portfolio or embellish pages of notes for the Controlled Assessment. No longer will we cringe to hear the proud dad say-“I got him a grade A”.

This generation is more used to getting credits in the bag before entering the Examination Hall. Our offspring have been allowed to discard low marks in assessments and use books in the tests. Glenys Stacey, Chief Regulator, at the Inside Government conference on GCSE and A level reform, February 2015, modified a quote from Reginald Walter Maudslay, founder of the Standard Motor Company:
“I want assessments to be composed purely of those components whose principles have been accepted as reliable standards.” Our students will therefore have confidence that the qualification they receive at the end of their studies has a great deal of worth, to both them and those looking at their results.
(https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/raising-the-standard)

Our current Year 10 students are the unfortunate group to stand trial under the new system. Parents should consider finding a tutor who is well informed about the increased demands placed on their child and who is able to promote effective learning and study skills.

Is it too early to think about revision? The rapid pace at which new material is presented in class leaves some students confused and defeated. English Literature courses may begin with one new story from the ‘Telling Tales’ Anthology (http://store.aqa.org.uk/resources/english/AQA-8702-TG-TALES.PDF) each week. These short stories are packed with symbolism, complex themes and fractured relationships- up to 17 pages of small print! A competent tutor will identify your child’s learning style and develop appropriate ways to remember key vocabulary and concepts.

Glenys Stacey concluded her lecture by stating,
“I therefore have great confidence that if the new specifications are taught well students will benefit from a better educational experience and fairer outcome from a more level playing field.”

Ask your tutor.

Article One of Ten Top Tips from Tutoring Solutions,
© 2015 Joyce Zealey