Traditional GCSE subjects for all pupils
The Schools Minister, Nick Gibb MP, has set out the government’s plans to reinforce the importance of a core academic curriculum for all pupils.
The Conservative manifesto pledged that all pupils would take GCSEs in English, maths, science, a language and either history or geography (the English Baccalaureate subjects) – and that if schools did not offer them, they would not be eligible for a top Ofsted rating.
All secondary school pupils in England will now have to take GCSEs in core academic subjects, under plans set out by Schools Minister Nick Gibb. This will not apply to pupils with special needs. Mr Gibb has pledged that schools have adequate lead-in time to prepare for any major changes, saying: "We will support these schools to raise standards but make no apology for expecting every child to receive a high-quality core academic education."
In addition, pupils will have to score more highly to gain a "good pass" in their GCSEs, under changes to England’s exams. A new grading system, which replaces the A to G system with a new nine-to-one numbered scale, comes as new "more rigorous" GCSEs are being introduced for first teaching this September. The new grading system has been designed to reveal the differences between candidates at the top end.
Education Secretary Nicky Morgan said: "This means ensuring children study key subjects that provide them with the knowledge they need to reach their potential – while setting a higher bar at GCSE so young people, their parents and teachers can be sure that the grades they achieve will help them get on in life."
Department for Education: Nick Gibb: the social justice case for an academic curriculum
BBC: All pupils will be required to take GCSEs in traditional academic subjects
BBC: Pass mark raised in GCSE exams shake-up
Independent: Every pupil must study five core subjects and examiners make it harder to get top grades
Association for Language Learning: Open letter to Nick Gibb MP, Minister of State for Schools, about the government’s plans to reinforce the importance of a core academic curriculum.