GCSEs 2009: Another record breaking year
"National Challenge is raising standards in hundreds of schools throughout the country thanks to targeted financial support. Based on early indications from local authorities, we are predicting that only 280 schools at most will remain below the floor target once school level results are published in January 2010."
Chris Keates, general secretary of the NASUWT teaching union, said the results demonstrate the hard work of teachers and pupils.
She said: "The fledgling diplomas have got off to a flying start. Teachers have clearly worked extremely hard to ensure that a coherent diploma programme has been available.
"The challenge now is to make sure that diplomas are up and running and available in all schools for every 14-year-old to ensure their academic and vocational talents are fully realised.
"There always has been, and will continue to be, a debate about the importance of exams and exam results. The fact of the matter is that these young people and teachers have worked exceptionally hard to achieve these excellent results and the wider debate should not be allowed to detract from this."
Mr Coaker said: "The improvements in maths grades are particularly welcome and reflect our sustained focus on getting the basics right.
"However, it is disappointing to see a slight fall in the English A*-C rate. We are not complacent and are targeting our efforts on ensuring that every child performs to their full potential. From next year we are introducing new GCSEs in English, mathematics and ICT to strengthen their functional skills content."
Christine Blower, general secretary of the National Union of Teachers said there were issues that needed to be addressed, such as the Government’s decision to make modern foreign languages optional.
"Very many young people may well regret in future that they should have taken a foreign language but didn’t do so because this subject area is now optional. This is precisely the opposite of what should happen in a world where national boundaries are less and less important.
"It is absurd that primary schools with the enormous range of expectations that rest on their shoulders should carry a disproportionate responsibility for ensuring learning in modern foreign languages.
"There are of course also issues about the performance of girls relative to that of boys, which requires further investigation.
"Nevertheless the overall picture is one of success and that is precisely what everyone should celebrate alongside pupils, parents and teachers."
Share
