Education changes - Another questionable move

The main debatable topic in the news this week was the announcement of changes in the education system for secondary schools from 2015.

GCSE's are being scrapped and it is a questionable decision

GCSEs in England are to be scrapped and replaced with a new English Baccalaureate Certificate.

The changes were announced in the House of Commons by the Education Secretary Michael Gove.

The new system would see all students be tested on a single end of year exam, eliminating module courses and coursework in the process.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has said the changes will “give parents confidence in the system” and helps “raise standards for all children.”

Honestly, I can’t see too many benefits with this system and when the news broke of this last Monday, I felt it was a bankrupt move by a coalition on the verge of liquidation!

Although I agree with the need to shake things up in the education system for students taking these crucial exams in year 11, this is a radical overhaul and far too much.

Getting rid of most forms of coursework is a big mistake.  While I felt impetus on this could have been knocked back, it is still an important form of work.

Not a fair way for everyone

Exams are not a fair way to settle an individual’s final grade.  They have to play a part but if you solely rely on the exam results, there won’t be a fair reflection.

Some excel in exams, others suffer brain freeze, an attack of the nerves, make themselves ill and simply don’t perform and that can’t always be helped.

I can’t help but feel that this change will benefit some students and hinder others, making it a two-tier system, something that Clegg says won’t happen.

I did GCSE’s back in 2004-05 and frankly, I screwed them up.  My results were utterly dreadful and I had to heavily rely on strong coursework to make up for constant underachievement in exams.

The news is disappointing but not surprising in another questionable decision from a coalition that lost control of this country a long time ago.

As for Clegg, he apologised for the rise in University tuition fees, breaking a Liberal Democrat manifesto pledge from the 2010 General Election.

He broke a promise, made many enemies and won’t be forgiven.  Saying sorry only happens if you mean it and he probably doesn’t.  After all, the Liberal Democrats should be renamed ‘Blue Democrats.’

This week, Clegg’s apology was turned into an autotune remix and has made the iTunes single charts!  The video is funny to watch but he can’t sing and is not very good at politics.

Might be entertaining but he is ridiculous.  A tip for Nick: DO NOT AUDITION FOR X-FACTOR!

Categories: Coursework, Education, England, Exams, GCSEs, General Election, Liberal Democrats, Michael Gove, Nick Clegg

Eight steps to enjoy University

For the first time since 1994, I am not in any kind of full-time education and that is an odd feeling to have.  Honestly, it is something I haven't quite got my head around yet.

A lot of people have just started University and trust me, freshers is the best experience when starting out.  So, from my own experience of three years which saw me finish with a 2:1 degree, here are eight steps to enjoy your first year at University.

This includes feeling happy, being successful and becoming well-liked.  These steps worked for me and it might not work for everyone but some could be useful to take on-board.

1. Never forget your roots

Going away from home for the first time on your own can be a daunting experience.  However, it is essential to never forget your roots.

Always keep in touch with your family, whatever form you feel comfortable.  Taking a photo from home of the family will help in any battle against feeling slightly homesick.

2. 'Ring of Fire'

In my view, this is the best drinking game ever!  You have to do some daft things, like drink the dreaded dirty pint! (I somehow managed to avoid this!)

Build up relationships with everyone you live with, get contact details, go out on the town and enjoy yourself. During 'Freshers Fortnight,' make sure to play this game.

3. Budgeting

Keep a budget, it does help especially with new fees to deal with.

Now this is vital, even if you don't like doing it.  Work out a rough weekly/monthly budget and try not to go over it.  

That's easier said than done for sure and most will get a student account with a nice, chunky overdraft.

However, you don't want to get into a bloody mess and the last thing you should be doing is asking friends for money.  Resist temptation if possible, don't go and spend £100 on designer shoes you don't have if you can't afford it.

Most students will leave University with debt, so don't add to it...

4. Decorate your room at halls

Wherever you stay in first year, it can't be much worse than sleeping and staring at blank, plain walls which can look as dull as dishwater.

So buy some posters, make a mural like I did of your family and friends and turn your place into your own personal space.

Struggles will occur, so when they do, look around the room and make it inspire you.

5. Get into a routine

Whenever timetables get published, I would try and get into some kind of routine plan throughout.  It is better being organised than disorganised at University.

Don't get too distracted by online gaming, Facebook etc.  Set time aside for these luxuries of course but it’s always handy to have a rough idea of getting work done before the last minute.  It really helps being organised.

6. Useful electrical equipment

To get you through first year, you will need to have some useful electrical equipment at your disposal.

Have a decent laptop is essential for any course you study.

First, all students must have a decent laptop to get through first year.

I survived with Windows Vista but Windows 7 is probably the best form of laptop to get.  Also, keep an eye out for Microsoft Office deals which are fully licensed and offer discounts.

I got the full Microsoft Office package in first year for £35, instead of the usual £200 - an 85 per cent student discount deal.

There are torrents of course, but this is a safer option than picking up a virus which could destroy the laptop.

Have plenty of DVD's to watch, get a decent alarm clock and some form of music player.  Listening to music often kept me motivated throughout first year.

7. The good morning wake-up boost

Trust me, 9am lecturers are the worst thing to have and I had that for the first term at Uni on a Monday morning.  The worst possible start!

Early mornings can make you sleepy, see a lack of concentration and dozing off in lectures is seriously not a good idea.

For me, having a coffee in the morning really helped, as it gave me that boost to be far more awake in the mornings.

I never liked coffee until I started Uni but it became a necessity to have.  It is a nice caffeine boost to have first thing in the morning and it usually worked.  

However, having a Red Bull energy drink at 9.30am in the morning is not a good idea.  I know a couple of people who tried this and it didn't give the best results.

8. Enjoy it!

You are going to have some tough days and stressful experiences because everyone does.

Remember though, this is what you want to do for the next three years, so persistence is the key to be ultimately successful.  

Giving it up after six weeks is useless and makes you look like a quitter.  Once you are committed, you should remain committed.

Have a social life of course and get the right balance between working and meeting assignment deadlines, in regards to some wild and much-needed partying.

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, so embrace and enjoy the University experience.

I wish everyone the best of luck across the country to all first year freshers who are just starting out with the University experience.

Categories: 1994, Caffeine, Coffee, Debt, DVD, Education, Experience, Freshers, Microsoft Office, Monday, Red Bull, Social Life, Student, University, Virus, Windows