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Northern Ireland exam system: No case for change Northern Ireland exam system: No case for change
(about 2 hours later)
There is no case for replacing A-levels or GCSEs in Northern Ireland in the short or medium term, a report has suggested.There is no case for replacing A-levels or GCSEs in Northern Ireland in the short or medium term, a report has suggested.
But the review acknowledged the need for a long-term vision for learning, assessment and qualifications.But the review acknowledged the need for a long-term vision for learning, assessment and qualifications.
Education Minister John O'Dowd is setting out the future for GCSE and A-levels at Stormont. Education Minister John O'Dowd commissioned the review following a plan to change the exams in England.
He is presenting the findings of a review to the assembly and opening a consultation process. Mr O'Dowd presented the review findings to the assembly and has opened a consultation process.
The review was conducted by the Northern Ireland examinations board, the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA).The review was conducted by the Northern Ireland examinations board, the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA).
It made 49 recommendations ranging from short-term changes to GCSEs and A-levels, to exploring the use of the GCSE and A-level brand alongside England and Wales.It made 49 recommendations ranging from short-term changes to GCSEs and A-levels, to exploring the use of the GCSE and A-level brand alongside England and Wales.
But it said there was no case for replacing the examinations in the short or medium term, but pointed to a need for a longer term vision. Learners
Mr O'Dowd, who commissioned the review, told the assembly he was pleased with the report. Mr O'Dowd told the assembly he was pleased with the report.
"This an important piece of work and provides an unprecedented opportunity to set out our own stall for learners here."This an important piece of work and provides an unprecedented opportunity to set out our own stall for learners here.
"The recommendations articulate what we should do to improve the life chances of our young people."The recommendations articulate what we should do to improve the life chances of our young people.
"The report allows us to pro-actively determine what is right for us in the context of our own curriculum and to align our qualifications to our curriculum in the interests of all learners.""The report allows us to pro-actively determine what is right for us in the context of our own curriculum and to align our qualifications to our curriculum in the interests of all learners."
Education Secretary Michael Gove has already announced significant changes to the qualifications in England. The report proposed that GCSEs and A-levels remain as they are, but there will be discussions about those names.
Pupils will still be tested periodically as well as at the end of the courses and coursework will still count towards the final result.
The review also said consideration should be given to streamlining GCSE English and English language.
It recommended a new mathematics qualifications and a new IT course.
In June, Westminster Education Secretary Michael Gove announced an overhaul of GCSEs in England, which would move from coursework to exams at the end of two years.
Mr Gove is proposing the changes from 2015.