Letter: GCSE needs more essays
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.Sir: Judith Judd's article "Pupils should write more. Discuss" (12 May) raises an important issue for students wishing to study GCE A- level history. Since the demise of the GCE O-level there has been a decline in the number of opportunities students have to engage in essay-writing. Until the advent of Key Stage 4 history, only one syllabus (NEAB Syllabus B, Modern World History) still retained the essay question as a feature of a terminal examination. However, through the medium of coursework, virtually all GCSE syllabuses allow students the opportunity for extended writing.
Although I agree with the general thrust of the argument put forward by Chris Husband of Warwick University and Christine Counsell of the Historical Association about the need to reinforce and extend the importance of extended writing at GCSE history, it could have unfortunate side-effects. At present, history is perceived to be a relatively demanding GCSE option because of its extended writing demands. Since the launch of Key Stage 4 GCSE there has been a 17 per cent fall in the number of students taking GCSE history. Any further attempt to increase the demands of GCSE history will exacerbate this trend. Rather than increase the demands of GCSE history alone, surely the way forward would be to increase the opportunities for extended writing across a wider range of GCSE subjects.
DERRICK MURPHY
Altrincham, Greater Manchester
The writer is chair of the history committee of the Northern Examination and Assessment Board
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments