Standards in education have changed significantly over time. Early GCSE exams from 1958 focused on simple explanations, while 2009 questions expected students to apply knowledge to new evidence and explain how it relates to theories like evolution. A-level pass rates have also increased steadily over the past 15 years. Additionally, the number of grade changes resulting from enquiries has gone up in recent years, indicating standards are dynamic and experts continually re-evaluate them. Overall, the document argues that educational standards are complex, involving experts who actively discuss and refine expectations over time based on new evidence.

1. Standard Bearing: A new look at Standards Glenys Stacey Chief Executive

3. 1958 v 2009 GCSE General Science - 1958 Explain the following statement: A dentist uses a concave mirror to examine a patient's mouth. He usually warms it before using it for this purpose. GCSE Biology - 2009 Today more than 90% of adult Europeans can digest milk. In 2007 a scientist found evidence that this ability only developed in humans in the past 7000 years. Most mammals are unable to digest milk when they are adult. A sudden change in the gene which now allows adult humans to digest the sugar in milk took place within the last 7000 years. What is the name given to this sudden change in a gene? Explain how this example is evidence for Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution.

4. A level grade A achievements - all subjects 1996-2011 30.0% 25.0% Percentage achieving A grade 20.0% 15.0% 0.0% 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 DfE Students aged 16-18 at the beginning of the academic year in Schools and FE Sector Colleges in England

5. GCE entries and enquiries resulting in grade changes 2006-2010

6. Conclusion Standards are complex, emotive, expert, interactive, dynamic It matters – it is important. It is good to talk, and to listen.