Overhaul has made the GNVQ more deliverable, but even less desirable, say Nicholas Pyke and Lucy Ward.
Girls continue to choose health and social care courses, while boys opt to study manufacturing, according to a recent survey of schools involved in the part one GNVQ pilot. Part one is the broad equivalent of GCSE, covering Foundation and Intermediate levels. The survey, run by the National Union of Teachers, found that staff not involved with the GNVQ are considerably more sceptical about the exam than their colleagues who teach the course. Parents are concerned that the part one GNVQ has a low status.
