ESF to phase out GCSEs?

[shri]

There is a rumor going around that some of the ESF schools will not be offering GCSEs at Form 5. Apparently this is going to effect the incoming Year 7.

- If this is true, what sort of certification will they offer for those who do not want to go on with Form 5.
- Does the MYP offer an equivalent certification to the GCSE?

[MovingIn07]

Perhaps they will move back to 'O' Levels - much better than GCSE (which we always thought of as 'dumbed down 'o' levels for the masses'.

More likely I guess a baccalaureate of some kind like Australia?

[shri]

Unfortuantely the IB program does not have a standardized exit test for the MYP (Middle Years Program). Could cause a lot of problems for students who do not want to or cannnot complete the full IB program.

Really not sure how this works or if the rumor is infact correct.

[dipper]

- If this is true, what sort of certification will they offer......

Presumably they will replace it with a qualification of a comparable academic and intellectual standing to that enjoyed by the GCSE......




......so a smiley face sticker from the nearest stationary shop authenticated with a Hello Kitty chop it is then.

[gilleshk]

I don't think it's a big deal... There's very little need to get an external assessment at this age level. It's a very time consuming process to prepare students for the examinations and frankly the time can be far better spent to actually teach students. Year 11 student basically lose 2-3 months of class time to prepare for these examinations. They are usually dismissed by April... and then a similar process for IB two years later. It's a serious overkill particularly in light of the fact that the IB results are what matters to get into university which represents the majority of ESF's clientele. The two systems really don't mesh that well together so it makes sense to get rid of the least useful one.

If students don't complete the full IB diploma, they can still get a certificate. ESF is a private institution, they are trying to compete with other schools in HK and have to take steps to remain competitive. They can't survive on expats alone and the biggest demand is to train students to have access to the best universities everywhere. That is best achieved with the IB program...

It is unfortunate that some kids will be left behind but there are other alternatives for the weaker students. If ESF was a public school, it would be a different story but it isn't...

[MovingIn07]

So, Shri, now you know. Nobody cares. Flippin great eh?

[shri]

Well, we all know giles is a bit biased towards the institutions.

Parents have a different view. I am concerned. Very concerned that there is no standardized testing between year 1 and when students graduate.

Will be continued next week when we launch GeoSchools.

[MovingIn07]

Shri - surely you have realised by now that Parent's views are utterly irrelevant to schools? Tsk tsk. Silly Shri.

Seriously, it does seem odd, I agree. In many countries there are side tracks - such as the old polis in the UK before they all became universities or the apprenticeship models favoured by Australia, all of which would be taking students at this age rather than later. Seems like a rather large gap to me!

[shri]

>> Shri - surely you have realised by now that Parent's views are utterly irrelevant to schools?

That by itself will guarantee you a spot on the ESF board of governors.

[bak875]

Will be continued next week when we launch GeoSchools.

Interesting.........a forum specifically for schools in HK?