GCSE Criticism
There is controversy over the discussion that the GCSE system is a dumbing down from the old GCE O-level system (as it took the focus away from the theoretical side of many subjects and taught students about real-world implications and issues relating to ICT and citizenship). Only slightly more than half of students sitting GCSE exams achieve the 5 A* to C grades required for further education.[2]
In recent years, concern about standards has led some public schools to go as far as to remove GCSEs from their curriculum and to take their pupils straight to A-level or the International Baccalaureate. [3] Other public schools are replacing the GCSEs with IGCSEs in which there is an option to do no coursework.[4] The new Science syllabus has led to many public schools switching to the IGCSE Double Award syllabus.[5].