People with good GCSE grades in English and Math also earn about £2, 000 more than those who don't. The initiative is not as innovative as media coverage might suggest. Most higher education institutions already offer courses in English and mathematics. In fact, many students recognize that both subjects are an integral element in being considered employable and choose to retake these exams.
Some are able to pass on their second attempt. Others try it three times and can't get a C grade in any of the subjects. So what are we going to do with those who may have successfully completed a post-16 grade but can't get the precious C's in English and mathematics? Is your achievement worthless? Some may see this as mere picky, but in times of limited resources, schools and universities will be forced to make difficult decisions about whether they are able to provide the same level of support to students who cannot earn C grades and those who need to be pressured to do so. If we agree that our focus should be on students reaching grade C, we run the risk of leaving behind weaker students.
In addition, with Gove, there have been major changes in funding for post-16 education, leaving many sixth-grade schools and universities facing budget cuts of up to 15%. The policy, which begins this quarter, is worrying in its opacity on how this new initiative will be financed. The Association of Colleges estimates that 1,000 additional English and 1,100 mathematics teachers will be needed. Will institutions be provided with jackpots of extra money? In my experience, students who do not perform highly in a subject tend to face it with hatred, sometimes with passion, sometimes with reserve.
Their aversion to that topic and their desire for it to end can often lead to a dangerous lack of trust and disaffection with education. They don't need more of the same: a rapidly evolving prescriptive curriculum that culminates in an exam they think they're likely to fail. The government should provide increased funding, focus on smaller classes, and allow schools the freedom to move away from the curriculum when it suits the needs of their students. As it stands, Gove's plan risks further stigmatizing thousands of people looking for a better path through.
As a general rule, most universities expect at least some C's in GCSE, especially in mathematics, English, and sometimes science. Math and English GCSEs are qualifications they rely on and are traditionally set as the benchmark for a number of job opportunities. However, GCSE degree equivalents are also a great way to demonstrate that you have the necessary knowledge to be an asset to your business. Most employers expect people to have good math and English GCSEs and, without this, it can be difficult to get your foot in the door.
It is very important that students who do not earn a grade of C or higher in these subjects are able to continue studying and improve their grades. As such, in addition to having a better quality of life, it is also demonstrated that people who receive education in English and mathematics have a longer life expectancy. For many subjects, it is necessary to pass them in the GCSE in order to be able to study them at level A and, consequently, also at higher levels (such as a degree). Functional skills are one of those equivalent qualifications to GCSE, as they are designed to provide an alternative route to traditional qualifications that instead focus on preparing you for work and life.
Whether you have a clear idea of the career path you want to pursue or you keep your options open, the results of your GCSE greatly affect your higher education and future career plans. These important initiatives further attest to the importance of mathematics and English skills, not only for children and young people in education, but also for adults who left the education system without the required level of knowledge. For example, most advanced learning requires about five GCSEs in grades A*-C, including English and Math. The truth, however, couldn't be further from that, since math and English skills are essential to perform almost every job there is.
With English and mathematical skills, you will be more confident, be able to access higher education, get a rewarding job and earn more in life. For these reasons, it is clear why many higher education and university courses require a good level of English and mathematics, regardless of the subject you plan to study. This means that the traditional way in which Math and English GCSEs and other courses are taught does not teach students these subjects in identifiable terms, which may make them seem too complicated and not as useful to them. This aversion to math and English subjects is causing many people to miss a lot of opportunities in recent years, but it is also affecting people in terms of their mental health and well-being.
Most employers expect people to have good GCSEs in math and English and without this, it can be difficult to get your foot in the door.
