|
« Cerebrally challenged
Main |
October 27, 2003
Reinventing the wheel
Can sense be breaking out at last? Independent schools are apparently keen on a proposed new examination at 16+ which relies on final examination rather than coursework. In other words, a return to the principle of the old O-level. Of course this is right, and would raise standards instantly. Coursework is fundamentally unjust and corrupting. As has been discovered, it often actually consists, at least in part, of contributions from teachers, parents or internet data bases. It has been a disaster and has helped turn the GCSE into a farce. Once again, it is the independent schools which are acting as the guardians of education standards. Let's hope this catches on, and that state schools will soon be able to follow suit. Posted by melanie at October 27, 2003
Comments
Whoopee! Bring back exams? How about bring back some "old fashioned" teaching methods, like times-tables at grade-school level? Walk into a K-Mart, a 7-Eleven, a filling station, get served by any kid and see what trouble they have figuring out the correct change on a $17.45 purchase on a $20 note or a 10% discount on a $12 purchase. If it wasn't for electronic cash registers auto-calculating it for them they'd be stuffed. And (you've got me going)... our English speech. Children are simply not taught to speak correctly any more (just listen to many - most - teachers!). "H" is "aitch", not "haitch"; I shudder. I'm surprised at these comments coming from Australia. My own experience of employing temps in London led me to the conclusion that Aussie youngsters are infinitely more literate, numerate and articulate than their British counterparts. Posted by: Employer at October 28, 2003 03:02 PM |
