Today’s news review looks at the new GCSE grading system.
GCSEs
Ahead of GCSE results day on Thursday 24 August TES reported comments from the Institute of Directors (IoD) voicing concerns about the new GCSE grading system. These comments were also reported by the Independent (p.13), Daily Mail (p.30), Daily Telegraph (p.4) and the Sun (p.6).
We have been clear that under the new grading system a grade 4 will be a standard pass and is the minimum level that students need to reach in English and maths. Grade 5 and above will be a strong pass. The Secretary of State for Education has clarified this to the Education Select Committee here.
A Department for Education spokesperson said:
The government’s new gold-standard qualifications are a culmination of a six year process of curriculum and qualifications reform and we have worked with Ofqual to issue a wide range of resources since 2014 to help raise awareness of the new grading system. We have also been working directly with the CBI and others to communicate this with employers.
We will ensure that engagement continues with businesses to communicate these new gold-standard qualifications.
This is part of our drive to continue raising standards so every child is taught the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in life. Most recently every school and college have been sent a pack with information for teachers, pupils, parents, and employers.
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