National testing system examined

National test results are used for a wide variety of purposes across many different levels - national, local, institutional, and individual. The Committee concludes that, in some cases, the current system is not a valid means by which to achieve these purposes. In particular, the use of national test results for the purpose of school accountability has resulted in some schools emphasising the maximisation of test results at the expense of a more rounded education for their pupils.

Other conclusions from the Committee's Report include:

• A variety of classroom practices aimed at improving test results have distorted the education of some children, which may leave them unprepared for higher education and employment.
• 'Teaching to the test' and narrowing of the taught curriculum are widespread phenomena in schools, resulting in a disproportionate focus on the 'core' subjects of English, mathematics, and science.
• The Government's proposals for the new single-level tests - and the new emphasis on the personalised approach to learning - may have some positive effects but there is a need for structural modification of the current approach.
• The national testing system should be reformed to decouple these multiple purposes in such a way as to remove from schools the imperative to pursue test results at all costs.
• On the 14-19 Diplomas, the Committee notes that teachers feel unprepared for the new qualifications and that there is anxiety about the limited amount of training they are due to receive.

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