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GCSE fallout: fears over the negative impact of exam reform

A range of concerns have been raised about reforms to GCSE examinations and content – especially about the potential impact on less academic students and those with special needs.

A range of concerns have been raised about reforms to GCSE examinations and content – especially about the potential impact on less academic students and those with special needs.

The proposed changes will see an end to almost all coursework, higher pass marks and terminal examinations.

The plans, outlined last week by education secretary Michael Gove, stipulate what pupils should learn in nine core subjects.

In English, this includes the study of at least one Shakespeare play and a return to the teaching of more traditional areas of maths such as geometry and algebra.

The proposals were outlined as Ofqual, the exams watchdog, launched a 12-week consultation into the future structure of GCSEs, including the removal of tiered examinations in many subjects such as English language, English literature and geography.

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