More changes to GCSEs?

http://news.sky.com/story/1099161/gcse-exams-to-be-replaced-with-i-level


In 2000 those of us teaching A levels  found ourselves in the unenviable position of reaching September and being faced with a number of students to reach, but with having no specification to teach, and few clues as to what might be on the new spec or how it would be assessed.  There was a lot of gossip, but not much else.  At the time as well as teaching I was working for one of the major examination boards and even they had no idea what was going on.   I just hope this latest review does not turn into such a fiasco.   

Gove keeps on trying to get rid of GCSEs.  The E-Bacc has come (well, sort of) and gone....  so what next...ah, the I-GCSE.  An Apple sponsored product, one wonders? 

It looks as if teachers themselves haven't been - and aren't to be consulted  and changing the name of the exam (which has to be done as in Wales they are keeping GCSEs) and marking the exam with grades 1-8 instead of giving UMS marks or grades A* to F is hardly innovative. 

Getting rid of coursework from all subject except science really does not tak account of the differeing learning styles of learners.  Nor does it allow for in depth and developmental study of a topic over time. 

 
If there is to be a radical overhaul, surely it should be guided by evidence,  and informed by teachers' experiences  and  by modern educational theory?  


It'll be interesting to see what happens to this proposal.