ARE WE LOOKING TO HIGHER STANDARDS?

This week, English pupils received their GCSE results, which created the usual euphoria, particularly for those with grades of B and better. However, C-A* grades are down slightly from last year, in fact, this is the first time the standard has dropped since the inception of the GCSE form of examination; at least it is perceived that standards are lower, but the author doubts this. There are many employers who, when wanting school leavers to commence in employment, find that basic English and mathematics is absent from these youngsters; so how can they have passed their exams in the assumption that they are prepared for the world of business, and can business afford to have such passengers? Much of this ineptness came from the old Labour Government, who insisted that everyone has to win, irrespective of knowledge. The truth, hopefully, lies in the fact that the examination boards are tightening up with a greater degree of strictness, possibly pedantic. This is obviously not before time. One particular complaint by a headmaster in my locality was that the goalposts were moved between January and June of this year regarding English. Now how can one complain about something, although not completely static, the basic rules of the language don't change. Ones understanding is good, mediocre or bad. Most of the teenagers today use the language in a deplorable fashion, incorporating ridiculous adjectives. In a strange way, children are influencing adults. Broadcasters now speak like these immature, under-educated neophytes; many of whom proceed to University, or Uni' as they put it.

We have pointed out before in these columns, that the English, generally, are some of the worst exponents of their own language in the world. Not helped naturally, by the assumed to be progressive British Broadcasting Corporation.

WHICH WOULD STRUGGLE TO ATTAIN A 'C' GRADE.