Covid-19 has changed our world. One of many things that have been negatively impacted by the pandemic has been education, especially the GCSE’s. Due to the pandemic, for 2 years in a row now, the exams have had to be cancelled: for a variety of reasons. This has prompted the argument that the outdated idea of GCSE’s should be scrapped and replaced with exams which will encompass more creative as well as vocational skills. In this article, we will explore what the GCSE’S are, and whether the end is near for them.

In 1988, the General Certificate of Secondary Education was established by the government as an examination for those who wished to leave school at the age of 16. The GCSE’s are now taken by all year 11s and marks the end of compulsory secondary education. The GCSE’s are actually an incredibly important exam which have a huge influence on what university you get into and even what jobs you can take. However, experts have said that GCSE’S have a large effect on the mental health of students, and also do not embrace the more creative sides of education.

Ever since schools were closed on 20th March, there have been 3 national lockdowns taking place in the country, meaning that Students have missed numerous months of Learning. This has obviously caused a huge gap in student’s educations. And extremely unfairly, this has meant that the most vulnerable students have suffered the greatest. During online learning, it was seen that due to access of technology, 30% of middle class students were more likely to attend online lessons, whereas only 16% of working class students were more likely to attend online lessons. Therefore, many argue that due to this, the 2022 GCSE exams should be scrapped, it would be particularly unfair for the disadvantaged students if the exams are carried on.

However, many would say that the 2022 GCSE should not be cancelled. During 2021, Teacher assessed grades have been implemented and a similar thing would happen next year as well. HOWEVER, there are many problems with teacher assessed grades such as teacher Bias- what happens if a teacher will undergrade or over-grade a certain student because of their behaviour? Also, through cancelling GCSE’s, you are increasing the likelihood of grade inflation- with more students getting good grades which can prove problematic for University places and Sixth form places.

Overall, I would argue that the 2022 GCSE’S should be scrapped. Although teacher assessed grades can prove to be problematic due to multiple reasons, the gap in education is far too large to carry on with the exams, especially for those who are more disadvantaged.