We're so used to hearing about how things have been dumbed down and made non-competitive for youngsters it's easy to assume everything in education is taking a turn for the worse. We live in the era of the non-competitive egg and spoon race, modulated GCSEs and the degree in golf course management. A far cry from the 11-plus, all-or-nothing O levels then nights of cramming, Pro Plus and coffee for your finals.
The shortcomings of that first past the post approach to education spawned the idea of continual assessment. It's not bad per se, it's just its implementation that is flawed. In secondary education many candidates are assured of a top grade even before the invigilator says 'turn your papers over.' Course work is routinely screened, or even completed, by parents. I recoiled in horror when I found out that my A* grade son didn't even have to hand in his DT - that's woodwork to you and me - practical. It was marked on photographs and a folder of research bumph.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Optician Online. Register now to access up to 10 news and opinion articles a month.
Register
Already have an account? Sign in here
