Arnold School

The missing GCSE results

"There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics." is a phrase often attributed to 19th Century author mark Twain. It describes the persuasive power of numbers, particularly the use of statistics to bolster weak arguments, and it comes to mind as we scrutinise the recently published School "Performance" tables, which, once again, misrepresent the achievements of Arnold's pupils.

Published last week, and covered heavily in the media, this year's tables report that the percentage of our pupils achieving at least five grades at C or above, including Maths and English last summer was 0%, when the actual statistic was 97%. This situation arises because of the Government's decision to disregard the International GCSE results our pupils achieved in maths.

Arnold is one of a growing numbers of independents offering the IGCSE, which is based on traditional O-level lines with the accent on end-of-year exams. A recent survey of the country's top schools shows two-thirds are now offering the new exam in at least some subjects, with heads saying they regard it as more academically testing than GCSE and therefore better preparation for A-levels. Numbers of IGCSE entries look set to rise over the next 2-3 years (to around four in five HMC schools offering at least one IGCSE). Our decision to take the IGCSE maths exam means that we are helping to accelerate this drift away from traditional GCSE examinations and, sadly, we seem to paying the price as our results are disregarded by the Government.

According to Deputy Head of Maths, David Bruce, the IGCSE course is more academically rigorous and is a better preparation for students who are intending to study Maths at a higher level - just under half of our intake.  He feels that the course has also allowed us to stretch our brightest students, who sit the examination in Year 10 and then study for the AS examination in year 11.

Many other independent schools fared just as badly as Arnold this year. According to the Government, not a single pupil at Eton, Manchester Grammar or St Paul's managed to achieve five A*-C grades including Maths and English. Whilst it is good to be in this company, it is very disappointing that the Government chooses not to recognize the achievements of our pupils and thousands of others, particularly given the widespread enthusiasm for IGCSE qualifications in UK universities. I find it strange that the IGCSE is not accepted as equivalent to the GCSE but that over three thousand other Level 2 qualifications are!

Lies, damned lies, and statistics! Rant over.

Best wishes

Barry Hughes

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Date: Sunday 17/01/2010