The Department of Education and Children is thanking the public for its valuable contribution to discussions about impending 14-16 exam reform.
With GCSEs undergoing a major overhaul in England, the DEC is reviewing the way forward for the Isle of Man.
Ahead of the launch of a public consultation on 2 April, the Department hosted public meetings at Ramsey Grammar School, Castle Rushen High School, Queen Elizabeth II High School and St Ninian’s High School.
The presentations were led by Paul Craine, the DEC’s Co-ordinating Adviser for 11-19 Education, who was joined on the platform by Ronald Barr, Chief Executive Officer, and either Martin Barrow, current Director of Education, or Geoff Moorcroft, who succeeds Mr Barrow next month.
More than 300 attendees heard about the options being considered by the Department.
Mr Craine spoke about the reasons behind the changes that are taking place in England from 2015.
He outlined the options the Isle of Man is considering:
- follow the new GCSEs in England
- switch to the International GCSE offered by Cambridge University
- switch to the Scottish examination system using National 4 and National 5 qualifications.
The purpose and nature of the consultation was explained. The officers then took questions from the floor.
Mr Craine said the majority of attendees were parents, interested in how the reforms will affect their children.
‘At all four meetings, the quality of the questions asked was excellent. It was clear that the audiences were grappling with the key issues at the heart of the alternative ways forward and it was helpful to hear both their preferences and their concerns,’
he said.
The consultation will be formally launched at the ‘Reach Higher’ conference, being held by the Isle of Man Government at the Mount Murray Hotel and Country Club on Wednesday 2 April.
It will appear on www.gov.im/consultations from 2nd April and will run until 16 May, with everyone invited to contribute views.
News about the consultation can also be followed via www.facebook.com/examreform
The Department plans to outline the direction that schools will follow before the end of the summer term.
