ANOTHER proposed overhaul of GCSE exams has been met with scepticism by Worcestershire headteachers.

Education Secretary Michael Gove has proposed a system of new I levels under sweeping changes to school examinations due to come into effect in 2015.

The changes – covering English, maths, physics, chemistry, biology, double science, history and geography – would see all end-ofcourse exams sat in the summer, apart from English and maths exams in November, with students having to wait a full year if they wanted to re-sit.

Grades would be numbered from one to eight – with eight being the highest – instead of the current lettered format and coursework would be abolished in all core subjects, except science.

Exams regulator Ofqual, which is due to launch a consultation shortly, was said to have decided that a new name was needed for the exam as the Welsh Assembly had decided to retain the name GCSE for its exams, which will continue to have modules and coursework.

However, Sean Devlin, headteacher at Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College in Timberdine Avenue, Worcester, said such large-scale reforms of GCSEs were not necessary. “A few of my colleagues have said to me this morning, what’s going on? This must be third of fourth attempt to reform standards,” he said.

“The one thing I think is very wrong is there will be a consultation, but no alternatives have been offered.

“Honestly and truly, GCSEs don’t need a major overhaul.

When I look at papers from now and 10 years ago, they’re different. Maths is not easier.

I’ve been doing some support sessions in English and it’s not an easy exam. He’s [Michael Gove] trying to bring education back to some heyday when it was sound and rigorous.

“The education system 30 to 40 years ago didn’t meet all needs of children. [Mr Gove] is on a crusade, but one that very many respected organisations are saying ‘this is not the way’.

Clive Corbett, headteacher at Pershore High School, said some of the changes seemed unneccessary and his main concern was that exam-only systems did not cater for the needs of all students.

He said: “The thing that concerns me most is in ending coursework and modular exams. It means the youngsters who benefit from cutting up exams into smaller chunks are then disadvantaged.

We know already there are not going to be modular GCSEs and A-levels, but whatever they’re called, they need to provide opportunities for youngsters.”