Highlights of the week ending 9 October
This week’s news has been dominated by the Scottish Government’s decision to replace the National 5 exams (GCSE equivalent) with teacher assessment and coursework.
This followed a rapid (independent review) by Professor Mark Priestley into the processes through which National Qualifications were awarded this year. Once again, Scottish policy makers have moved first on exams and it will be interesting to see the response of ministers in Westminster and their Welsh counterparts. The latter are waiting for the results of their own review of the summer, whilst Boris Johnson’s government is adamant that exams will take place in England this summer. The long-term implications of these decisions could be significant as politicians (including the One Nation group of Conservatives and the Lord Baker) question the future of GCSEs and examinations at age 16.