Research by the Sutton Trust shows that the GCSE reforms of 2015 have had very little effect on attainment rates, and that the introduction of harder exams and the new grading system has led to a slightly bigger attainment gap between disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged learners.
2% of disadvantaged learners gained the pre-reform A* grade, while only 1% achieved the new top grade of 9. Among non-disadvantaged pupils, 8% achieved A*, while only 5% achieved grade 9. The changes aimed to make the exams more rigorous and to differentiate more finely between grades, by switching from modules to final exams and increasing the number of grades from 7 to 9.
Check out the Skills for Life Network E-News Update November 2023 for a round up of what’s new and what’s happening in maths, English, ESOL and digital skills in the FE and Training sector.
Starting this January, you can now book your place on the ETF’s Level 5 online maths, English and ESOL courses, including their newest ‘Teaching for Mastery in FE Maths’.
Check out the Skills for Life Network E-News Update September 2023 for a round up of what’s new and what’s happening in maths, English, ESOL and digital skills in the FE and Training sector.
GCSE reforms have very little effect
Research by the Sutton Trust shows that the GCSE reforms of 2015 have had very little effect on attainment rates, and that the introduction of harder exams and the new grading system has led to a slightly bigger attainment gap between disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged learners.
2% of disadvantaged learners gained the pre-reform A* grade, while only 1% achieved the new top grade of 9. Among non-disadvantaged pupils, 8% achieved A*, while only 5% achieved grade 9. The changes aimed to make the exams more rigorous and to differentiate more finely between grades, by switching from modules to final exams and increasing the number of grades from 7 to 9.
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