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Bexley Grammar ditches science GCSE
A GRAMMAR school has become the first state school in the country to ditch the GCSE in favour of an international qualification.
Year 9 pupils at Bexley Grammar School in Danson Lane, Welling, will start taking the International GCSE (IGCSE) in science from September this year.
The school, where every pupil obtained at least five A* to C GCSEs last year, is following the path taken by more than 250 independent schools which have already switched to the international exam.
Headteacher Rod Mackinnon said the move suits the calibre of pupils at Bexley Grammar and provides them with a more stimulating curriculum.
He said: "We just don't think that the existing GCSE stretches our pupils enough.
"The IGCSE suits our highly talented and intellectual pupils and will provide a much deeper level of knowledge for the children which will really stimulate and challenge them."
When asked if he was worried about the school's science results not being recognised in Government league tables, he said: "We don't provide a curriculum to meet the expectations of a league table.
"In those terms we will register as a big zero as it is not recognised, but this move is in the interests of the pupils. And I know that the parents are perfectly capable of understanding and reading through the tables."
Mr Mackinnon added: "This is something which we have been planning and investigating for one-and-a-half years and all of the parents have been fully supportive of our decision."
Meanwhile the Department for Children, Schools and Families confirmed that the Government would not pay for the pupils to sit their IGCSE exams.
A spokesman for the department said: "IGCSE has been developed for the international market and has not yet been proven to meet the requirements of Key Stage 4.
"IGCSEs are not included in achievement and attainment tables as they are not currently accredited qualifications and approved for use in maintained schools."
4:06pm Thursday 19th June 2008
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CommentPosted by: Gary, London on 3:55pm Fri 20 Jun 08
Well done Bexley Grammar. My son is a pupil there & I cannot praise the school highly enough. It's good to see that they have the courage & conviction to put the pupils best interests first. The headteacher & his staff should be congratulated.
Well done Bexley Grammar. My son is a pupil there & I cannot praise the school highly enough. It's good to see that they have the courage & conviction to put the pupils best interests first. The headteacher & his staff should be congratulated.
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