Is it time to phase out GCSEs?

In this episode, we get curious about curriculum redesign and innovation with Will Goldsmith, Headteacher of Bedales School in the UK.Bedales, along with Latymer Upper School, made news headlines in September 2023 for ditching GCSE qualifications.Bedales' 10-year curriculum redesign involves replacing GCSEs with their own Bedales Assessed Courses (BACs) to better equip students for the next stage in learning and life. In this episode, learn about: 2:00 Bedales’ history of innovation4:19 Daily life at Bedales6:21 Search for reform10:13 A GCSE-free curriculum13:16 Bedales Assessed Courses19:11 Reclaiming time for learning  25:11 Examples of courses at Bedales28:39 The value of curriculum redesign33:10 Universities' recognition of BACs36:44 Getting stakeholders onboard40:49 Small steps towards reform44:51 The future of curriculum and assessment46:19 Lessons learned in leadership Learn more about schools redesigning curriculum:Bedales SchoolLatymer Upper School Articles:Busby, E. (2023) Private school to move further away from ‘outdated’ GCSEs, headteacher saysWiliam, D. (2013) Redesigning Schooling – 3: Principled curriculum design ResourcesASCl, The Forgotten ThirdThe School-Directed Courses ConsortiumThe Times, Commission on Education CreditsHosted by Kai VacherProduced by Stuart Pardoe, Zoe Snell, and Marion JamesA BSM BSS production

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