MP Phil Wilson Pledges Support
Three students at Greenfield College have launched a petition after finding the “New English GCSE 100% Exams” rule doesn’t apply to everyone, with Independent Schools getting it much easier, which they believe is unfair. The petition started by Aidan Wong (15), Melissa Foster (16) and Christina Davis (15) fights for equality in exams regardless of the type of school. After investigation the students discovered Independent Schools were able to include 40% GCSE course work while State Schools MUST do 100% exams to be completed in May/June. Independent Schools have the option to spread their exams between January – May/June. More information can be found on the two blogs: http://everythingenglish education.co.uk/gcsever usigcseguess-who-benefits/ http://everythingenglisheducation.co.uk/englishexaminations-state-100gcse/ The three students want everyone in England to know about this by spreading the word in the hope they will sign the petition and changes will be made. Everyone should be allowed to do 40% course work and the option of spreading exams between January and June. This would be fairer and achieve equality – State Schools should not be disadvantaged.
http://everythingenglisheducation.co.uk/english-examinations-state-100-gcse/
A spokesperson for the students said: “We aren’t attempting to make it worse for Independent Schools, we are simply trying to make it the same for English State Schools”. “Signing the petition is a small step to achieving equality in education. It has been said that ‘it won’t make a difference’ but a long shot is better than no shot at all! A lot of things look impossible to change, yet often do, in the same way that Brexit seemed impossible.” “For Aycliffe, it is even more important, contributing to a movement starting from their town and a chance to make a big change. Schools in Aycliffe are state schools so it will have a positive effect on students in this area.” Head Teacher David Priestley said: “We are proud of these young people who are seeking support to challenge an injustice. The new English GCSE qualifications appear flawed when only state schools in England have to do 100% final examinations with the rest of the UK and the independent sector retaining some element of course work in their examinations.”
IN PHOTO:Left to right: Phil Wilson, Christina Davis, Melissa Foster, Aidan Wong and Greenfield Head Teacher David Priestley.
