Nicholas Soames MP has today given his backing to bold reforms to the exams that local young people will take at 16.

The changes, announced earlier this week by Education Secretary Michael Gove MP, will mean an end to falling standards and a focus on the subjects that employers clearly say that they value most. They have already been endorsed by the Institute of Directors and the Confederation of British Industry.

Under the plans, English Baccalaureate Certificates (EBCs) will replace GCSEs in the core subjects of English, maths, sciences, languages, history and geography. Pupils will be assessed on the basis of a three-hour examination at the end of the two-year course, rather than the current system of modules, coursework and controlled assessment.

Welcoming the radical reforms, Nicholas Soames said; “These changes will ensure that young people in Mid Sussex have an exam system that matches the world’s best and prepares them for success in the workplace. Equally, they will mean that local businesses have access to the skills that they need to thrive.

‘For too long under Labour, politicians tried to take parents for fools with tall tales of ever-improving results. From this week, exams will no longer be about making our politicians feel good, but about making sure our young people do well.”

BACKGROUND:

• On 17 September 2012, Education Secretary Michael Gove announced wide-ranging proposals to reform the examinations system for 16-year-olds. The Government has launched a consultation on the proposals (DfE Press Release, 17 September 2012).
• The key features of the new system are:

  o English Baccalaureate Certificates (EBCs) will replace GCSEs in the core subjects of English, maths, sciences, languages, history and geography.
  o Pupils will be assessed on the basis of a three-hour examination at the end of the two-year course, rather than the current system of modules, coursework and controlled assessment.
  o Multiple exam boards will be replaced with a single exam board for each English Baccalaureate Certificate.
  o For all students who are not able to take EBCs at the age of 16, schools will produce a detailed record of their achievement in each curriculum area that will help them make progress subsequently. They will be able to secure EBCs at the age of 17 or 18.
  o Success in English, maths, the sciences, a language and either history or geography will mean the student has secured the full English Baccalaureate.
  o Ofqual will consider how these new higher standards can be used as a template for a new suite of qualifications in subjects outside the English Baccalaureate core.
  o The changes will come into effect for English, maths and science for pupils starting courses in 2015 and taking exams in 2017. EBCs in languages, history and geography will follow later.

Backing from business leaders for the changes

• Institute of Directors: Simon Walker, Director General: ‘We welcome Michael Gove’s new exam reforms. This announcement will undoubtedly help to shore up confidence in the British education system. Business leaders want a stronger curriculum and more rigorous exams, and these measures are welcome progress towards delivering that. Well-targeted education reforms are a double win for the economy, giving young people a better chance in life and equipping the nation with an even more capable workforce’ (IoD Press Release, 17 September 2012).
• CBI: Neil Carberry, Director for Employment and Skills: ‘The Government is right to focus on delivering rigorous assessment in our school system, which is part of raising overall achievement. A rigorous system stretches and engages young people, but there is a wider debate, beyond the nature and function of exams at 16. That concerns what outcomes we expect our education system to deliver between the ages of 14 and 18’ (CBI Press Release, 17 September 2012).
• EEF: Steve Radley, Director of Policy: ‘Employers will broadly welcome the need for greater rigour, particularly in English, maths and sciences, having long complained that ever greater academic attainment levels have not produced young people with economically valuable skills ready to enter the workplace’ (EEF Press Release, 17 September 2012).