At least 15 schools to snub GCSE science exam
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The schools are planning instead to opt for the international version of the exam, which is more in line with old-fashioned O-levels. Dr Martin Stephen, High Master of St Paul's School in London, said the GCSE had become too "consumer-based" and had "a terrifying absence of proper science".
The new GCSE exam is to be introduced in September 2006. Dr Stephen said: "The new specifications move it over virtually completely to computer science. It is no preparation for A-level."
He said that the type of questions being considered for the exam included: (i) how would you organise setting up a colony on Mars?; and (ii) point out the drawbacks of using an aerosol spray.
He said the GCSE was in danger of "ruining" the country's science base and would lead to a reduction in the number of British candidates opting to study the subject at university level.
Leading universities would be forced to admit more overseas candidates who were more highly advanced in the subject. One university is already understood to have cut the number of British students it recruits to a quarter of its intake.
News of the schools' decision comes just two days after it was revealed that Manchester Grammar School was not going to use the GCSE maths exam because teachers feared it had become too easy. The school is understood to be one of 40 independent schools considering a switch to international GCSEs in one subject or another.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments