A diploma for school leavers

Tell us what you think

GCSEs and A levels could be replaced within a decade if the government follows advice it's being given today

The former chief inspector of schools, Mike Tomlinson, has been asked to review the qualifications system for children between 14 and 19.

He's expected to say that a system similar to the international baccalaureate should be introduced, and that pupils should be given credit for activities outside school, such as voluntary work.

This morning, Breakfast looked at Tomlinson's radical proposals for the exam system

We heard what teachers and pupils at one school at Brightlingsea near Colchester make of the proposals

And, we debated the plans with the former Chief Inspector of Schools, Chris Woodhead.

We also asked what you think.

click here to go straight to our Your Comments section

Further details from BBC News Online

Tomlinson's latest report will also ask for fewer exams and for study between the ages of 14 to 19 to be more vocational.

The diploma - similar to the continental Baccalaureate - would involve pupils taking more subjects until 18 or 19 than under the current system, where students are forced to specialise after GCSEs.

Some subjects, however, would be likely to be made compulsory, to ensure a balance of arts, science and work-related courses.

Credits

Mr Tomlinson will recommend that exams taken at 16, 17 and 18 are no longer free-standing, but contribute to a single certificate.

Critics fear this means 16-year-old school-leavers could be left without qualifications, rather than the current GCSEs.

But the aim is to encourage as many young people as possible to go onto further education, an area where Britain lags behind many of its economic rivals.

Mike Tomlinson's recommendations are similar to the government's

The diploma system would award credits for work done at earlier stages.

This, it is hoped, would give those who leave at 16 recognition for their achievements and the chance to resume their education at a later date.

Liberal Democrat education spokesman Phil Willis said: "The present system of qualifications condemns 50% of young people to the scrap heap at 16.

"Liberal Democrats support the ending of age-related examinations and the introduction of diplomas that will recognise the achievements of all young people."

Teaching unions have given the Tomlinson proposals a cautious welcome.

David Hart, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, said qualifications needed to be reformed to make them more relevant to the needs of industry.

He added: "Mike Tomlinson's report is a long overdue dose of common sense.

"At last we have the prospect of an over-arching diploma that properly recognises all qualifications and all levels of achievement.

"We welcome the proposal that GCSE, AS- and A-level examinations should not be free-standing, but should make appropriate contributions to the diploma.

'Breath of fresh air'

"The commitment to cut the overwhelming burden of testing and examinations, and to reduce the volume of course work, will be widely applauded.

"Assessment that is fit for purpose will do far more for vocational qualifications than all the talk about parity of esteem. The emphasis on both basic and core skills is absolutely crucial.

"I sincerely hope that this report, which is such a breath of fresh air, and supported by both employers and universities, will be strongly endorsed by the government."

Jean Gemmell, general secretary of the Professional Association of Teachers, said: "We welcome the new diploma in principle.

"However, these changes mustn't be rushed in like so many government reforms, but introduced carefully with due consultation with all parties involved.

"All the partners in education need to be able to learn from the mistakes of the past and improve the system for the future."

Mr Tomlinson has been asked to look at the government plans for a Baccalaureate-style diploma, set out in January in its policy document 14-19: opportunity and excellence.

This proposed reducing the amount students had to do between the ages of 15 and 16 "to the minimum essential for future progression and personal development".

Mr Tomlinson is due to publish his complete recommendations on education between the ages of 14 and 19 next year.

Tell us what you think