It was a pleasure for Newton News to interview the three Greenfield students and we commend their unselfish act in raising this petition. They will gain nothing from it themselves and are doing it purely for the benefit of future students who face an unfair GCSE examination system. Phil Wilson M.P. was very impressed with their concern for others and agreed with their views, pledging as much support as possible. Most proud was their Head Teacher, David Priestley who praised their maturity and for standing up to what appears to be an injustice. Our local M.P. Phil Wilson said: “All pupils, whether they go to local authority, independent or academy schools should all be treated the same when it comes to their exam opportunities.
I’ll be raising this issue in Parliament and urge everyone to sign the online petition” Local County Councillor and former Deputy Head at Greenfield said: “The abolition of a coursework element to GCSE’s was a severe setback for school students from less advantaged backgrounds, who for various reasons may find it harder to focus their entire effort into one short exam. A situation where advantaged pupils can still submit 40% course work, but maintained school students cannot, is an indefensible equalities issue. The Greenfield students are to be applauded for raising this matter, which we must now take up and pursue”.
