We are now into
the traditional exam season in our secondary schools, as students across the country
sit their GCSE and A-level exams over the next few weeks.
We all remember
our own experiences of enduring these all-important final tests that can have
such a significant impact on our futures. The subjects we took are often
forgotten but it’s the final grades that are crucial in opening doors to bright
futures and creating opportunities for our young people.
From the old
'O' levels and CSE exams I have seen numerous changes in our exam system.
GCSEs, BTECs and now iGCSEs form the main basis of assessment at 16, with AS
levels and the final A2 GCE exams being the format for our sixth form students.
Many schools now enable students to take modular exams over two years with
opportunities to re-sit and improve marks and grades. In addition, schools are
allowing, indeed encouraging, more students to take their exams earlier,
reflecting the readiness of some students to gain exam success as soon as
possible. ‘Stage not age' recognizes that we all develop differently and some
students will be ready to be assessed before Year 11. Inevitably, this opens up
for debate questions about the advantages of entering students early for exams
and the implications for the rest of their time in school. And there has always
been wide debate about girls out-performing boys, advantages of coursework over
final assessment, and even whether the month that a child is born has an impact
on academic development and performance.
We are now
approaching a new era in assessment following the debacle over last year’s
English GCSE results, which affected so many students. Changes are due to take
place in two years’ time with a move towards one final exam, as well as
potential changes to A-level assessment.
Despite these
changes, the one constant message is that preparation is key to success. Most
schools now provide opportunities like:
• Extra revision classes in the evenings and
school holidays
• Lessons in exam technique and understanding
key words
• Model answers to questions
• A range of revision skills and help on how
to prepare
• Morning of the exam breakfasts and final
tips
Let’s hope this
year’s crop of students gain the success they deserve and can celebrate in
August. In the meantime, it's heads down with revision and final preparations, before
the prom parties that provide such a great opportunity for our students to
relax, dress up in their ball gowns or tuxedos, and dance the night away.
