Tomlinson proposes “evolution not revolution” in exam change
Changes to the secondary examination system should take place by evolution, not revolution, the former Chief Inspector of Schools Mike Tomlinson said today.
Monday’s publication of the long-awaited Tomlinson report into reform of the 14-19 education system contains few surprises, as it comes down heavily in favour of the introduction of a new diploma system.
It suggests that the diploma qualification should be awarded at four levels – entry, foundation, intermediate and advanced. Elements within these would be graded at different scales dependent on the component, ranging from a simple pass – fail to A+ and A++ grades for the most able who would be able to sit extra questions to stretch them.
Students would be able to enter each diploma stage at different ages, with the diplomas interlocking and providing a basis for the next level. It would not be compulsory to sit each level to go on to the next, though the report envisages that many students would do so.
Each student would receive a detailed breakdown of their results, which would then be available to universities and employers.
Launching the report, Mr Tomlinson said: “The status quo is simply not an option. Nor do we believe further piecemeal changes are desirable. The way ahead is through evolution rather than revolution. Our recommendations build upon the best of the current system to strengthen and deepen existing qualifications.
“The framework we propose meets the present challenges head on and provides a blueprint that places core skills at its heart. The recommendations seek to engage all young people, to stretch and challenge learners, particularly the most able, and to raise the achievement of all.”
The key aim of the working group is to introduce a more rigorous system with literacy and numeracy at its heart which will both stretch and challenge the most able, and also provide high quality vocation education to encourage more young people to stay on at school.
They also aim to reduce the overall burden of assessment on both pupils and teachers.
It is proposed that all young people would have to pass tests in the core skills of functional maths, functional literacy, communications and information technology to gain the diploma.
There would also be an extended project – designed to replace large amounts of externally assessed coursework – to allow students to focus on one subject in depth.
Whilst there has been no political response to the report yet from the Government, the head of Ofsted, David Bell, has welcomed the report.
Speaking this morning, Mr Bell said: “In my time as Chief Inspector, I have frequently spoken out about the shortcomings of the English education system that sees too many young people ill-served by the quagmire of qualifications currently bogging down our school system and providing a confusing picture for young people wishing to progress to the next stage of education.
“The Tomlinson report demonstrates that there is a better way forward and I call upon the Government to be bold and consider whether both GCSEs and A-levels in their current form need to be replaced by a new system that unleashes untapped talent and meets the needs of all young people.
“The ‘change in mindsets’ that the report calls for will not come about if people retreat to the bunkers in an attempt to defend GCSEs and A-Levels. These qualifications have served the country well in a number of ways. But we should not be blind to their limitations. Instead, we should take up the offer of bold reform that today’s report presents. Without such action, I fear that we are destined to repeat the mistakes of the past 40 years.”
The education and business communities though appear divided on the proposals. See politics.co.uk’s “Issue of the Day” section for the latest up to date reaction.
