GCSE Examination: Assessment (Hansard, 25 October 1988)

§ Viscount Davidson
My Lords, the recently published report from Her Majesty's inspectors shows that the new GCSE examination is off to a good start, due in large part to the hard work and commitment of teachers. The GCSE is clearly a major advance over the examination system that it replaces. The GCSE examining groups and others need to learn from experience of the first courses and examinations to ensure that next year is even better.

§ Lord Peston
My Lords, I thank the noble Viscount for his Answer and associate myself with the sentiments that he expressed. Is he aware of the number of cases of faulty assessment which have been referred to in the press? Although few in number, they are obviously of great importance to the young people involved. Have the Government a view of what can be done about it?

§ Viscount Davidson
My Lords, there have always been cases of dissatisfaction with examination results. But the GCSE appeals process will help to iron out some of the teething troubles. The inspectors' report helpfully identifies a number of issues that need to be addressed if we are to build on the firm foundation laid by the first GCSE courses and examinations. We look to all concerned to study the report closely to see how they can contribute to making GCSE even better.

§ Baroness David
My Lords, is the Minister aware that it was not dissatisfaction with the results that worried the students who took the examination? It was not getting the results, with the consequent very difficult arrangements for their next course of study. That was what caused the upset. I should like it on record that I am also very pleased with the report of the inspectors. I am pleased also that the examination has got off to a very good start.

§ Viscount Davidson
My Lords, I am grateful to the noble Baroness. I quite agree that there have been teething troubles; she has mentioned one of them. There is no guarantee that the teething troubles would have been avoided by a longer timescale. I suggest that now is the time to sort out the troubles so that we can look forward to a better quality of teaching and learning in the future.

§ Baroness Cox
My Lords, is my noble friend aware that while there is general satisfaction with many of the good aspects of the GCSE there is concern in some places over excessive proportions of course work? For example, it is possible to get a GCSE with 100 per cent. course work and no final examination. This has led to some strain for pupils and, very seriously, to problems of comparability of standards.

§ Viscount Davidson
Yes, my Lords, that is a problem. The inspectors found that there were problems with the course work, including the heavy load on some pupils. However, the examining groups are already reviewing their syllabuses and procedures in the light of that experience.

§ Lord Ritchie of Dundee
My Lords, does the Minister agree that an innovative and imaginative examination has been seriously hampered by poor resourcing in books and materials? Is he aware that teachers who have a very heavy workload in administering the examination are in need of ancillary help for such services as printing, photocopying and clerical work? This is a great need for future years.

§ Viscount Davidson
My Lords, I cannot agree with the noble Lord about resourcing. The Government have provided massive resources for the GCSE—about £250 million over three years. The inspectors report that most schools and departments have sufficient resources to support teaching and learning. It is for local authorities to ensure that the resources made available nationally are targeted on local priorities.