The secretary of state has spoken. The school examination system is to be reformed. Views are being sought, but the main structures have been established. Already, several overarching major issues have come to mind.
First, what about the effect on the overall education of our pupils? Too often, the law of unintended consequences takes over and, as examinations almost inevitably distort the whole curriculum, most of what is learned and taught in schools may be changed, not necessarily for the better.
Second, should we be developing more 16-plus examinations when the school leaving age is being raised to 18? Also, if these changes are not due to begin to be implemented until after the next election, will they really happen at all? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could actually have the support of all political parties for any reform?
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