The endless setting and tinkering with exam targets and league tables does not serve all young people equally, and says the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL).
Commenting ahead of this week’s GCSE results Dr Mary Bousted, ATL general secretary, said: “This week we should be celebrating the achievements of all young people, whether in academic subjects or vocational qualifications, many of whom will have succeeded despite difficult personal circumstances.
“Unfortunately, the pressure on schools and teachers of the league tables has already led to too much teaching focusing on getting pupils through exams. The government’s intention to devalue and limit vocational qualifications in future league tables will tie schools’ hands and push many young people into qualifications that don’t allow them to develop their talents and excel. In addition, this year the arbitrary introduction of new GCSE floor targets is pushing schools to concentrate their attention on borderline C/D pupils at the expense of other pupils.
“We need an education system fit for all, not the select few.”
