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Daily News Summary
20 August 2018

A-level round-up
Independent school head says exam remarking system should be fairer
'Our primary and secondary school systems are still not up to international standards'
Headteacher takes GCSE to experience exam system
Concern raised over pressure on pupils taking reformed GCSEs
Letters: 'Let more schools offer the IB'
Questions asked over Scotland's examination system
Cambridge University considers funding degrees for poorest students

A-level round-up

 

The Times features advice for parents about how to help children cope with exam disappointment. The article quotes Julia Harrington, headmistress of Queen Anne’s School, Caversham. By Anna Maxted.

Andrew Halls, head of King’s College School, Wimbledon, writes in The Sunday Times about how to navigate Clearing.

Stephanie Hobbs, who took her A-levels at Gordonstoun, writes in The Times about choosing a business apprenticeship over university.

Finally, the Metro asks whether parents should offer their children financial incentives for good exam performance. The article quotes Emma Pattison, headmistress of Croydon High School GDST. By Rebecca Reid.

 

Independent school head says exam remarking system should be fairer

 

Shaun Fenton, head of Reigate Grammar School and the chair elect of the Headmasters’ and Headmistress’ Conference (HMC), has suggested independent schools should pay more for exam remarks to make the system fair. By Camilla Turner, The Telegraph.

 
The Telegraph

'Our primary and secondary school systems are still not up to international standards'

 

The Sunday Times has printed a leading article looking at the state of British education at primary and secondary level.

 
The Sunday Times

Headteacher takes GCSE to experience exam system

 

James Allen, head of Beech Hall School, has taken GCSE English language this year to experience the exam process firsthand. By Rosemary Bennett, The Times.

 
The Times

Concern raised over pressure on pupils taking reformed GCSEs

 

Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), has expressed concern over the reforms to GCSEs and the impact the changes have on the mental health and wellbeing of pupils. By Richard Adams and agencies, The Guardian.

The Sunday Times reports there will be fewer students achieving a clean sweep of the top GCSE grade this year, quoting Andrew Halls, head of King’s College School, Wimbledon. By Sian Griffiths.

 
The Guardian

Letters: 'Let more schools offer the IB'

 

Henry Coverdale, assistant head (6th form and digital learning) at King Edward's School, Birmingham, writes in The Times suggesting more pupils should be given the opportunity to access the international baccalaureate (IB).

 
The Times

Questions asked over Scotland's examination system

 

Questions have been asked about the effectiveness of Scotland's examination system after figures from the Scottish Council of Independent Schools (SCIS) revealed a record year for pupils gaining A grades. The article quotes Melvyn Roffe, principal at Edinburgh’s George Watson’s College.

 
The Sunday Times

Cambridge University considers funding degrees for poorest students

 

Cambridge University is considering covering tuition fees and and living costs for students "with greatest financial need". By Eleanor Busby, The Independent.

 
The Independent

 

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