Standard bearers
THAT four key GCSE subjects are to be made tougher is welcome, given how pupils can excel in English literature, maths, history and geography with extraordinary gaps in their knowledge. Yet, while this move contradicts Education Secretary Michael Gove’s desire for schools to have a greater say in the subject matter, it is surprising that such important syllabuses are not refreshed more regularly.
If the English Literature paper was more varied, rather than simply revolving around tried and tested books like To Kill A Mockingbird, Of Mice and Men and Lord of the Flies, brighter students would not be able to plan ahead – and teachers would have to refresh their material and perhaps become reinvigorated by a new challenge.
While Mr Gove’s move will stretch the most able, it could disadvantage, and alienate, the less academically-inclined. As such, this places a greater premium on the quality of teaching – and the ability of schools to recruit individuals who can inspire pupils of all abilities. And, on that subject, not enough has been heard from the Education Secretary.