WE CANNOT COMPARE GCSE DATA – EDUCATION SECRETARY
CHANGES to qualifications and performance measures mean that comparisons between this year and last year’s GCSE results are not appropriate or accurate, the Education Secretary has repeated.
Responding to the publication of final examination results for 2016-17, Kirsty Williams said: “It’s important to have data which you can compare like for like, year on year, to see where performance issues need to be addressed. But today’s final exam results do not yet provide us with that kind of comparison.
“We have introduced a number of changes to the examination system in Wales over the past year. There have been two new maths GCSEs, new linear English and Welsh in November 2016.
The number of entries from Year 10 pupils who took GCSE mathematics a year early was 230, down from 295 in 2016. language GCSEs, and schools are moving away from science BTEC, which was failing to properly equip our young people.
“All these changes are linked to raising standards and all were necessary, but they mean we’re now essentially dealing with two different sets of data.
“Evidence shows that the Pupil Development Grant is making a difference in breaking the link between poverty and attainment that has dogged our education system. That’s why, earlier this year, I announced plans to extend the grant and why I will continue to do everything within my power to make sure we’re reaching the learners that need this invaluable support.”
Numbers of Year 10 entries for GCSE mathematics – numeracy in 2017 was 220, down from 335 in 2016.
Some headteachers said they had put candidates in early because it was the first chance they had to see what Wales’ new reformed maths and maths – numeracy looked like.
Supporters of early entry say it stretches top learners and reduces stress, while critics say it stops children reaching their full potential
Education Secretary Kirsty Williams and regulator Qualifications Wales want to see early entry cut back, saying it may be denying some pupils the chance to get the best grades a few months later and may impact on other subjects.
Ms Williams has warned this year’s level of early entry is “unsustainable” and she has not ruled out banning the practice.
Early entry was been blamed by Qualifications Wales and exam board the WJEC for this year’s GCSE results in Wales – the worst in 10 years – although the Welsh Government says they cannot be compared with previous years owing to changes in qualifications.
A total 18% of GCSE entries across all subjects this summer were “early entries”, meaning students who are in Year 10 or below, according to Qualifications Wales data.