South Wales East AM Lindsay Whittle has called for the creation of an independent exam system for Wales.
The former leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council raised the issue with Caerphilly AM and Welsh Government Deputy Minister for Skills Jeff Cuthbert.
It follows a row between the Welsh Government and the UK Government over the re-marking of English GCSE exam papers earlier this year.
In a debate in the Senedd last week, Mr Whittle asked Mr Cuthbert: “What discussions has the Minister had regarding the creation of a distinct examination system for Wales?”
Mr Cuthbert replied: “As we have already stated, the Welsh Government will be waiting on the publication of the review of qualifications for 14 to 19-year-olds before considering the best route forward for the examination system in Wales. This, as well as the marketplace review of awarding organisations, will receive a formal Government response in January.”
Mr Whittle then pressed the issue and responded: “I hope that you will consider the Party of Wales’ idea of an independent exam system for our nation, which will deliver for the needs of Welsh students. Do you agree that the establishment of the English baccalaureate means that a distinct qualification system for Wales is almost already a reality? What further discussions do you intend to have to ensure that Welsh qualifications are an accurate assessment of students’ attainment, and how will you gain the confidence of the education sector and of employers in any changes?”
Mr Cuthbert replied: “Those are key factors of the review of qualifications and of the discussions on the marketplace. My colleague, the Minister for Education and Skills, has answered much of that, I think, in replying to earlier questions. You referred to the English baccalaureate, and it is important to recognise that that is not a qualification in its own right as the Welsh baccalaureate is. There could well be further divergence with England, if it is justified, and we will know more about that when the review of qualifications reports.”
Let us all hope that politicians will think very carefully about the implications for Welsh pupils before embarking on any changes to the exam system. The recent fiasco where the English GCSEs were re-marked upward in Wales but not across the bridge has not helped those who sat the exam here. There will be a perception, in England, that the Welsh qualification is worth less which will persist long after the dust settles on this row.
I have no objection to the principle of our own exam system, so long as this benefits pupils in Wales. To achieve this benefit any proposed system must be seen by employers and higher education bodies as being a superior test of knowledge and ability than that used in England.
For years politicians and education authorities have lauded the rising pass rate and ever more impressive grades as proof that education is getting better. This has not fooled employers who now take little heed of GCSE grades but increasingly test job applicants on the skills required for the job.
The Government has recognised this and seems set on making the exam more rigorous and not including coursework, which is open to abuse. We, in Wales, would divert from this at our peril as it could lead to our young being disadvantaged when compared to an English competitor for a job or university place. This is not an outcome I wish to see so unless we can come up with an education and exam system markedly better than ‘across the bridge’ I suggest we stay with an identical system to that used in England. To do otherwise would be a grave disservice to our young people who have to compete in a global job market.
yh this is exactly what the people of wales need a qualification set that isnot understood in England and more complications for welsh employers having to do more work in examining a persons qualifications. this is an plan that just could never work
First of all, we want a system which is free from political interference. That means getting shot of Gove, whose medium-term plan, is grammar schools, just like the Tories love. Why did he interfere in the first place with the English exam ? It may be right that exams should be stiffer (rather than easier each year). But what is his long-term view ? What is he moving towards ? What next ? The sooner we get shot of the English the better, particularly if Gove is their man.
The stupid system is that which the English follow; the Scots are well shot if it. The Welsh aand northern Irish should follow.
A comment on the "grammar schools, just like the Tories love." My grammar, and Lindsay Whittle's, Caerffili Boys Technical Grammar was converted into a comprehensive. This, unfortunately, happened when I was a pupil in it. The Education Secretary was called Margaret Hilda Thatcher, anyone remember her?
If Grammar schools were reintroduced in Caerffili I would cheer from the rooftops. Not for selfish reasons, too late for me, but out of gladness that after a gap of forty years the children of the area would be getting good schools again.