The GCSE English fiasco continues, it roots run deep. I have used the hash tag #reallives on a number of occasions now, for a D grade in GCSE English will certainly impacts on the lives of the 12/45 students that would have achieved a C grade at our school. It is perhaps for this reason, that the GCSE English (and other subjects) issue has resonated so very loudly with those in charge leading our schools. Weak explanation, even weaker, ill thought out and inflammatory remedies only firing our determination to ensure students get the right, not ‘lucky,’ grade. With a parliamentary inquiry all but inevitable, I am angered further by the knowledge that as Unions, Local Authorities councillors, school leaders, Head of English Departments strive for fairness for the 2011-12 cohort, this inevitably distracts from their efforts for this years cohort.
Perhaps we are already beginning to hearing the expedited outcome of the situation?
This is a really good opportunity for our system and the secretary of state to look at our examination system and ask whether it is rigorous enough, whether it’s credible enough, whether what’s happened over the last few years in terms of resits, early entries and the modular approach to to examination is actually raising standards. Sir Michael Wilshaw
Leadership Learning
This debacle has demonstrated leadership at so many different levels, the commendable and the unconvincing; from our PM, Gove and Twigg, and Davies, to prominent school leaders such as John Townsley and Mike Griffiths, to local seniors schools leaders and to our own Head of English. With an added social dimension, I have also been able to listen in on the thoughts and read the opinions of established school leaders and Union leaders through blog-posts and tweets, connecting with half a dozen or so educators on early to mid leadership journeys like myself along the way. From this unpalatable situation, I have observed first hand the importance of well informed, evidenced based and assured commentary (Kenny Frederick’s contribution to Newsnight of particular note) and the cost of single ‘unprepared’ adjectives.
Yes, we face moving targets, but we can only but aim more resolutely. @HuntingEnglish
I would consider myself a positive educator and school leader, but I can do little better than @HuntingEnglish right now, though the ever practical Geoff Barton continues to give the English teaching community something to mull over.
I anticipate this will not be the last time I am left feeling disappointed and responsible for students impacted by political intervention but it reaffirms to me that my heart is still very much in the classroom, even though my head is on progress and achievement.
Thanks to Dan Stucke (@danielstucke), Nigel Sheppard, Geoff Barton (@RealGeoffBarton), John Tomsett (@johntomsett), #ff @dockers_hoops, @lucielakin, @HuntingEnglish, @chrisscrivens1, @richspencer1979 and @Dunfordjames.
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