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GCSE where 18% was enough to get grade C
Tim Ross6 Feb 2009
Thousands of pupils got a grade C in their chemistry GCSE with a mark of only 18 per cent.
Scientists said the “rogue” paper from the Oxford, Cambridge and RSA board exposed a “major flaw” in the education system.
The marking was revealed in a report by the Royal Society of Chemistry. Nearly 10,700 pupils took OCR's 21st century science higher-tier exam last year. Ninety-five per cent scored at least grade C, having gained only 10 marks from 55. Pupils could score an A* with only 51 per cent of the marks.
The society's chief executive, Dr Richard Pike, said: “Some hard-working pupils are disillusioned through being able to answer correctly less than one-fifth of questions, but are being told they have done well.”
But OCR said the threshold for gaining a grade had been lower because the exam was so difficult. “We are disappointed this paper turned out to be too hard,” said a spokesman. “It is clear this is an exception.”
Reader views (4)
It used to be 45% to get a C grade in O-Level. That was before the system was taken over by social workers and reduced to the level of a pub quiz.
- Neil M., london uk,, 09/02/2009 09:50
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But OCR said the threshold for gaining a grade had been lower because the exam was so difficult. “We are disappointed this paper turned out to be too hard,” said a spokesman.
How can a paper be too hard? Surely the exam only included material that was covered by the students in the two years prior to the exam. Or do schools not teach what is required any more?
I've always thought that GCSE's are a waste of time...this has confirmed it!
- bb, S.E London, 08/02/2009 09:09
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But standards have not declined. Isn't that right Gordy Broon and Toony Blair?
You have wrecked this country and your party will be out of office for a generation.
- Dave Davies, Basingstoke, 06/02/2009 22:34
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If this is not grade inflation - or is it grade deflation? - then nuLabour's spin about how they've improved education is hogwash.
- With Smoke Coming Out Of My Ears, London NW11, 06/02/2009 15:32
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