There are plans being made to replace gcses and A levels with diplomas that involve more practical subjects like hair dressing.Although I agree with the idea in theory, the reasoning given behind the change that "there is too much course work and too many exams" is ridiculous. Every summer the exams are being criticised for being easier to pass, so why are they not trying to make the qualifications gained by 16 and 18 year olds more credible?

The new system is going to be based upon more teacher assesment, which suggests that there will be many teacher strikes in the years to come as teachers have been fighting their increased work load for years.
Why don't they just try to improve the system we have at the moment instead of bringing in a totally new one?

WHY are they planning to scrap GCSEs in favour of diplomas...that is the whole idea of having.

How many people on this board knew what they wanted to do for a living at 16? Many people a great deal older are still trying to figure that out. Non specific and general qualifications give people who are not sure a chance to maintain their education and keep their options open.

I half wish I had taken the a-level route myself but decided to specialise and realised I didn't want to work with complete.........