dbgtz
20-05-2012, 09:04 PM
Just something I think about regularly as it frustrates me looking back.
Anyway personally I think that GCSE learning should begin in year 8, I would see it as a way for students to do what they want early with year 7 being a taster. If they done it this way, then it could allow for the course to be completed in year 9 for some subjects which could allow for the student to do another course in replacement ultimately boosting their GCSE count, general knowledge and could provide more opportunities for the student in future.
I would also say that many forced subjects should be dropped in the years of GCSE education. Currently, the compulsory subjects for KS4 is:
English
Maths
Science
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Physical education
Citizenship
source: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/parents/schoolslearninganddevelopment/examstestsandthecurriculum/dg_10013877
with history and geography in talks to be compulsory: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2076297/History-geography-compulsory-16-major-shake-national-curriculum.html
Personally I would remove or modify the current list. History and geography would not be added, with science, ICT and citizenship being removed and PE would not act as a course but more as a social interaction between pupils whilst also promoting physical activity. I think without the distraction of having to forcefully learn sport it could promote greater communication between pupils and make a more friendly environment, perhaps people even making friends with those who they would not have otherwise. Furthermore, the relax feel of it and just having fun could make the pupil less agitated as stress is released which could improve performance elsewhere.
Also if English literature is required in all schools (I'm not sure if it is, the list only says English), I would get rid of that too. It is pointless as hell for people who never require it, and I'm not even sure when those who want to do it would ever actually need it.
However, I would replace citizenship with what I will call "life skills". This would be one or two lessons a week where basic skills are taught.
Sex education would be included in this, but to a much lesser extent than it currently is. It would teach what to do if someone feels like they have issues and basic contraception methods. It would not include what diseases actually can occur, it would not show different shapes and sizes of genitals, it would not show any sexual images altogether. I remember watching a video in like year 9 where the actors were basically flirting with sexual innuendos and I just thought, "what is the point in this?".
Basic politics would also be taught so that pupils will be educated enough in order to make a good decision in what could be a couple of years for some people.
It would also teach basic finance and taxation. This could provide a better foundation for people in the years they have ahead.
I think parenting should also be slightly explored, again just to provide a better foundation for people especially as teen pregnancy is as high as it is today. But even then, it could help people even if they were to have kids long after school in their 20s/30s etc.
There is more I previously imagined but can't remember at this point.
Anyway personally I think that GCSE learning should begin in year 8, I would see it as a way for students to do what they want early with year 7 being a taster. If they done it this way, then it could allow for the course to be completed in year 9 for some subjects which could allow for the student to do another course in replacement ultimately boosting their GCSE count, general knowledge and could provide more opportunities for the student in future.
I would also say that many forced subjects should be dropped in the years of GCSE education. Currently, the compulsory subjects for KS4 is:
English
Maths
Science
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Physical education
Citizenship
source: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/parents/schoolslearninganddevelopment/examstestsandthecurriculum/dg_10013877
with history and geography in talks to be compulsory: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2076297/History-geography-compulsory-16-major-shake-national-curriculum.html
Personally I would remove or modify the current list. History and geography would not be added, with science, ICT and citizenship being removed and PE would not act as a course but more as a social interaction between pupils whilst also promoting physical activity. I think without the distraction of having to forcefully learn sport it could promote greater communication between pupils and make a more friendly environment, perhaps people even making friends with those who they would not have otherwise. Furthermore, the relax feel of it and just having fun could make the pupil less agitated as stress is released which could improve performance elsewhere.
Also if English literature is required in all schools (I'm not sure if it is, the list only says English), I would get rid of that too. It is pointless as hell for people who never require it, and I'm not even sure when those who want to do it would ever actually need it.
However, I would replace citizenship with what I will call "life skills". This would be one or two lessons a week where basic skills are taught.
Sex education would be included in this, but to a much lesser extent than it currently is. It would teach what to do if someone feels like they have issues and basic contraception methods. It would not include what diseases actually can occur, it would not show different shapes and sizes of genitals, it would not show any sexual images altogether. I remember watching a video in like year 9 where the actors were basically flirting with sexual innuendos and I just thought, "what is the point in this?".
Basic politics would also be taught so that pupils will be educated enough in order to make a good decision in what could be a couple of years for some people.
It would also teach basic finance and taxation. This could provide a better foundation for people in the years they have ahead.
I think parenting should also be slightly explored, again just to provide a better foundation for people especially as teen pregnancy is as high as it is today. But even then, it could help people even if they were to have kids long after school in their 20s/30s etc.
There is more I previously imagined but can't remember at this point.