Headteachers warn of exam chaos

By Richard Garner

Published: 07 May 2007

The Government’s flagship exam reforms will cause chaos in schools next year, headteachers warned yesterday.

Ministers were urged to delay changes to A-levels and the introduction of new specialist diplomas to avoid a fall in standards.

Leaders of the National Association of Head Teachers warned schools face a curriculum “meltdown” if ministers go full steam ahead with implementing the reforms in 2008.

Under the Government’s plans, new tougher A-levels will be introduced next year with harder questions and a new A* grade for the brightest pupils at the same time as the vocational diplomas – in subjects like construction and health care - are brought in.

In addition, a new GCSE in functional English, maths and technology will coincide with changes to to the secondary curriculum – including compulsory lessons on climate change during geography.classes.

Michael Stewart, headteacher of Westlands school in Torbay, told the NAHT conference in Bournemouth: “There will be staff that go down with stress.

“There will be staff who reduce the quality of their teaching. Students will lose out as a result of this.”

He added that teachers would have to time out of school training on how to teach for the new qualifications – with the result they would not be able to spend as much time on preparing their lessons.

Eric Fisk, chairman of the NAHT’s secondary school committee, added: “It is no exaggeration to say we’re in the eye of the storm.

“There is much to be anxious about. We are being asked to implement reforms which have not been adequately resourced and accredited.

“ We have an impossible timescale. That could lead to curriculum meltdown in our schools.”

Mick Waters, director of curriculum at the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority – the Government’s exams watchdog, said: “I think it is recognised that 2008 will be a significant year with the introduction of the diplomas as well as the secondary curriculum review.

“Serious consideration is being given to the concerns being expressed."

Meanwhile, exam watchdogs are considering introducing a new English GCSE for youngsters who do not speak English as their first language. Up to 60,000 youngsters a year could be in line to take it.

The move has already been criticised by David Willetts, the Conservatives’ education spokesman, who said it risked turning the youngsters into “second-class citizens.

Mr Waters acknowledged there were “valid concerns” over the plan and promised to consult with teachers over the idea.

“It is just something we ought to consider,” he added.