Page 22 - link magazine

22
EDUCATION MATTERS

GCSE A PUPIL'S POINT OF VIEW

Nerrys Matthews,
West Swindon Student at Braden Forest School, Purton
However many students do
Recently, BBC TV news reported course work and the teachers o'clock at night to do work for
that 5th years are working until were unable to mark it, as they feel like 'guinea pigs' in that the following day. Often this is
12 o'clock at night to do all didn't know how. In many cases there have been late changes to not 'homework' but work that
the work required for GCSE. the work was marked by '0' level the syllabuses. Also employers we know we will have no other
Another report claims that standard, which should not have are still thinking in terms of '0' chance to do. I think we should
'GCSE is a success'. Is it fair for happened. We don't know how level/CSE for the qualifications have been told at the beginning
such comments to be made, when work is marked and so therefore needed for certain jobs. how much work needed to be
the only people who really know do not know how to raise the done so that we could pace our-
The main problem experienced
is that as the end of the course is selves.
are the students? standard of the work,
As one of the student taking There also seems to be some reached we are having to rush The main worry is that the
this exam for the first time, I feel, indicision as to what we should things, for examle by getting all course work will not be com-
as do many, that we all need to learn in business studies, history the course work in on time. Some pleted on time, so we will lose
be given information about the and English. The syllabuses have people have dropped some sub- marks. Also there is a fear that
work we would be doing at the been changed, now showing that jects, which gives them a chance we haven't learnt some of the
beginning of the course. There some of the work we did early on to get up to date in the free information we need for the
lessons. The teachers have ad- exams as there have been many
was a lot of confusion about is useless to our exams,
things such as pass marks and Another point that has been mitted that we have too much to changes.
grading, as well as what would be recently discussed is the problem do and not enough time. Although I have nothing to
in the syllabuses. Also, no idea of under funding. As a whole, I compare GCSE with, I feel the
On average 1-3 hours work a
was given of how much course think a great deal of money has night is done, except in extreme content of the exam is usually
work would be needed or what been poured into GCSE, but I circumstances where a lot of interesting and relevent and I
was expected of us, I think we all also think it will never be work is given all at once, and it is hope that when the results come
felt that the whole thing was a bit enough. On average fifth years necessary to stay up until 10- 11 through the exam will prove its
vague. are spending £10.00 to £15.00 worth.
The teachers themselves also of their own money on books.
seem to be unsure, and we recieve Although this is not compulsory
contradicting information about they have helped a great deal SCHOOL GOVERNORS
what we need to do. The main with studies, as it means you By David Cooper, Chair of Governors, Freshbrook School
problem is that the Examining have books on hand at all times. Come September the local schools of the children. The positon of
Boards failed to inform schools, The GCSE has its good points. in our community will be able school governor is unpaid, some-
and so the teachers can't give us Not everything rests on the final (under the 1987 Education Act) times unrewarding but never dull.
information about the new exam. exam as course work is involved. to co-opt onto their governing Committment is the vital ingredi-
In some subjects the syllabuses In some subjects, such as science bodies any member of the com- ent needed and so if anyone feels
have only just arrived, two and English it is continuous munity. Members of local trade they have time to spend on the
months before we take the assessment all through the two and industry, churches, senior education of local children and
exams! This means that a lot years. The syllabuses are also citizens, in fact anyone who has a would like further details and in
more work has to be done, work good in that for both levels P. the genuine interest and concern in depth discussion on the role of
teachers didn't expect us to have easier and 0, the harder, are the their local school and education school governor, please 'phone
to do. same, so it is possible to enter at Swindon 872231.
Another problem that we had both levels. There is also a wider
to face was that, at the beginning range of grades, A-G instead of
of the course, we handed in A-C for '0' level. EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA
West Swindon Centre's Easter win a trip to Paris for 2 people.
GAS FIRES AND STOVES festivities come to a climax this The next best guess wins £100.00
• Gas log/coal effect fires. weekend. Saturday midday is shopping voucher.
• Gas fire convector boxes. your last chance to 'count' the On Easter Monday there is a fun
• Gas stoves. cream eggs in the giant egg fair, Punch and Judy, a visit by
Visit our Showroom, open a//day Saturday holder before they are dis- Postman Pat and lots more. All
tributed to local charities. Guess the shops in the centre will be
Heating Systems Limited, Unit 14.
Orbit Centre, Gt. Western Way. the 'egg'xact number and you open of course.
Tel: 612060
Winners of the West Swindon Centre/Link Magazine Easter Competition with
Lionel Dix, centre manager, and Christine Duddy, promotions manager. Left to
right: Sarah Alen, James and Louise Mackie, Arthur Barr and Louise Goulding.
I-I -- - -
ICOOPER CHEMIST)
WEST SWINDON CENTRE .,

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EASTER MONDAY
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