I have been pondering this subject for a while. Why do we subject children to 100+ externally assessed exams – stress and only really testing a few skills. So I finally have a proposal. Compulsory exxams in only Maths and English Language. That is what most employers want. Other subjects could be teacher assessed with perhsps a single skills test in subjects they may want to continue to A level or degree. We know that many children have to opt for subjects outside their comfort zone or interest, that is fine, but why force them to sit a formal examination in them? Teacher assessments should have grade boundaries and set standards that are published. Accreditation in a subject should still be worth achieving. I suspect most employers just require a certain standard of English and Maths, job related skills are probably better assessed by the employer anyway. This plan woukld save £millions in exam fees and resits, etc. but also reduce stress and make education more fun – as it should be. New subjects like politics, coding and personal finance could be introduced – and maybe more one year courses?
So exterminate the stress of GCSE’s, I would also do away with SAT’s – the world was no worse before they were introduced – many would claim better.