Return of the O-Level: Gove plans to scrap "dumbed-down GCSEs and National Curriculum" [View all]

[muriel_volestrangler]

This is from the Mail, but it seems to be their exclusive, so I've linked to them, even though I tend to distrust them. The BBC seems to have separate sources confirming the basics. "Dumbed down " is the Mail's wording, so I've put that in quotes.

The most radical shake-up in school exams for 30 years will see dumbed-down GCSEs scrapped and rigorous O-levels brought back.

Leaked documents seen by the Mail reveal Education Secretary Michael Gove has drawn up a blueprint which would tear up the current exam system as well as abolishing the National Curriculum.

From September 2014, pupils will begin studying for ‘explicitly harder’ exams in English, maths, physics, chemistry and biology.
...
The new exams will ‘meet or exceed the highest standards in the world for that age group’.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2162369/Return-O-Level-Gove-shake-biggest-revolution-education-30-years.html

It also says a CSE-style simpler exam will be brought back.

It strikes me as an exercise in nostalgia.