Warning over exams plans

Former chief of schools Mike Tomlinson's has proposed replacing GCSEs and A-Levels with a diploma system to boost basic skills and reduce exam overload.

The plans, aimed at prioritising numeracy and literacy and to stretch more able pupils, have been welcomed by education chiefs in East Lancashire.

But the area's NUT representative expressed some concerns about the actual implementation of the proposals.

Simon Jones, divisional secretary of Blackburn with Darwen NUT, said: "The first thing to say is that there is some merit in the proposals and there are things that are positive about them.

"But we should not lose sight of the fact that the current exam system is not a complete failure - let's not throw the baby out with the bathwater.

"Certainly teachers will welcome some changes in the coursework and assessment mechanisms providing they encourage personal skills and initiative on the part of pupils.

"We do need to have an end to the excessive workloads of coursework for teachers.

"But if you introduce a new exam system like this there is a huge change with the way schools have to operate to respond to that.

"It is crucial that any changes need to be agreed with the teaching profession and are properly funded.

"This has to be phased in to avoid disrupting the whole education system as happened when the GCSEs were introduced."

Alan Whittaker, Lancashire County Council's cabinet member for education, said: "I agree with the proposal as any examination system should fit the aspirations of society, the aspirations of parents and those of employers.

"Children need to have a measure of their success. What I do know from speaking with Mike Tomlinson is that nothing will be done without evidence that it is the best way forward."

Peter Morgan, director of education and lifelong learning for Blackburn with Darwen Council said the proposal was interesting but at a very early stage.