GCSE's - Should all Learners with a 3 have to resit?
My recent learners have just resat their GCSE's in English Language. For some learners, it has been the perfect route for them to aim for their desired grades in order for them to progress, which is great isn't it? But what about those who aren't quite ready yet? Or those who have been let down by the education system but forced to then continue with something that they lack motivation in?
The recent changes to funding in FE state that all learners who received a grade D or new grade 3 in their GCSE's must continue to resit this until they are nineteen. Hang on a minute - so ALL learners have to continually resit despite no consideration of the individuals themselves. Their social, personal and economic needs are not considered at all in this which is the main purpose of my argument - why on earth should this be compulsory if indeed providers (according to OFSTED) should produce individualised, realistic and personalised learning plans for their learners?
People would argue that if learners were capable enough of gaining a D then they can go through a resit year but what if their circumstances change? Surely for learners with barriers at the time should be encouraged to take the Functional English route at Level 2 to build confidence and at least secure them with an alternative rather than the gruelling idea of them not improving their previous grade over the course of a year.
All teachers can do their utmost best to support these learners but sometimes our hands are tied. We can not influence their grades if they actually deserve a soft skill supportive approach rather than (let's face it, tougher exams).
Don't get me wrong, I am 100% behind providing my learners with the best chance to succeed but if they are really struggling in the process, I do feel alternatives need to be considered for these learners.
My recent learners have just resat their GCSE's in English Language. For some learners, it has been the perfect route for them to aim for their desired grades in order for them to progress, which is great isn't it? But what about those who aren't quite ready yet? Or those who have been let down by the education system but forced to then continue with something that they lack motivation in?
The recent changes to funding in FE state that all learners who received a grade D or new grade 3 in their GCSE's must continue to resit this until they are nineteen. Hang on a minute - so ALL learners have to continually resit despite no consideration of the individuals themselves. Their social, personal and economic needs are not considered at all in this which is the main purpose of my argument - why on earth should this be compulsory if indeed providers (according to OFSTED) should produce individualised, realistic and personalised learning plans for their learners?
People would argue that if learners were capable enough of gaining a D then they can go through a resit year but what if their circumstances change? Surely for learners with barriers at the time should be encouraged to take the Functional English route at Level 2 to build confidence and at least secure them with an alternative rather than the gruelling idea of them not improving their previous grade over the course of a year.
All teachers can do their utmost best to support these learners but sometimes our hands are tied. We can not influence their grades if they actually deserve a soft skill supportive approach rather than (let's face it, tougher exams).
Don't get me wrong, I am 100% behind providing my learners with the best chance to succeed but if they are really struggling in the process, I do feel alternatives need to be considered for these learners.
This post first appeared on Free Quality Functional English Resources & Teachi, please read the originial post: here
