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GCSE Maths - a laughing stock? Give proof.

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago

Show that n²-n-90=0

is described as a "fiendishly difficult question" , not seen in previous papers, and aimed at those candidates targeting a Grade A or A*.

My diety.

Anyone know if you can have -9 sweets?

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By *ants Horse Hung CockMan
over a year ago

co durham

Easy. N=10

Simple

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"

Show that n²-n-90=0

is described as a "fiendishly difficult question" , not seen in previous papers, and aimed at those candidates targeting a Grade A or A*.

My diety.

Anyone know if you can have -9 sweets? "

If I owe you them I can

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By *horltzMan
over a year ago

heysham

Yes that's entirely possible

Child A goes into sweet shop and buys 9 sweets. Child B steels 9 sweets from child A , thus leaving Child A -9 sweets

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Easy.

n=10

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By *erbyDalesCplCouple
over a year ago

Derbyshire

http://m.fabswingers.com/forum/lounge/393796

(I may have inadvertently killed it)

Mr ddc

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"Yes that's entirely possible

Child A goes into sweet shop and buys 9 sweets. Child B steels 9 sweets from child A , thus leaving Child A -9 sweets"

Trust you, surely that's next years AS level?

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By *wosWoman
over a year ago

east london

Pleased to say son got that one right

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By *ants Horse Hung CockMan
over a year ago

co durham


"Yes that's entirely possible

Child A goes into sweet shop and buys 9 sweets. Child B steels 9 sweets from child A , thus leaving Child A -9 sweets"

No, child A would have 0 sweets. I take it you failed maths lol

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By *ce WingerMan
over a year ago

P.O. Box DE1 0NQ

What sort of sweets are they

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By *horltzMan
over a year ago

heysham


"Yes that's entirely possible

Child A goes into sweet shop and buys 9 sweets. Child B steels 9 sweets from child A , thus leaving Child A -9 sweets

No, child A would have 0 sweets. I take it you failed maths lol"

Actually I passed , but I stand by my guns child A was -9 sweets

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"http://m.fabswingers.com/forum/lounge/393796

(I may have inadvertently killed it)

Mr ddc"

I can see why.

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"What sort of sweets are they "

Orange ones. The yellow ones with the smiley face stayed in the bag.

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago

What adds to any insult is that at the time of reading the media reports, the only formal complaint to Edexcel had come from a TEACHER.

WTF?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"What sort of sweets are they "

Shag will be pissed off if they're Haribos

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By *ants Horse Hung CockMan
over a year ago

co durham


"

What adds to any insult is that at the time of reading the media reports, the only formal complaint to Edexcel had come from a TEACHER.

WTF?

"

Maybe he was a teacher like the one i had in my school, apparently he got an E in GCSEs and teached from a book!

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By *ants Horse Hung CockMan
over a year ago

co durham

Tought not teached, i didnt do so well in english!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

He's not at gcse level yet but my boy's maths homework a couple of months ago involved the question:

Danny has 30 cookies, he eats 24. What does he have now?

Oh I don't know, diabetes maybe....??

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Tought not teached, i didnt do so well in english!"

Taught you mean

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"Tought not teached, i didnt do so well in english!"

Nor spelling

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Yes that's entirely possible

Child A goes into sweet shop and buys 9 sweets. Child B steels 9 sweets from child A , thus leaving Child A -9 sweets

No, child A would have 0 sweets. I take it you failed maths lol

Actually I passed , but I stand by my guns child A was -9 sweets "

Well he/she certainly has 9 fewer than they had before the 9 sweets were stolen. But 9 (what they started with) plus (minus 9 - the effect of the theft) is definitely zero. So whilst there's a minus 9 in the sum, I agree with NE Tony, the child has zero sweets!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Unfortunately, the evidence does suggest that the school subjects at both GCSE and A Level have been made less rigorous. The teachers won't admit it because it is not in their interest. They need the number of pupils passing to rise so that they are in a commanding position to negotiate higher salaries.

The reality is that our education system is not competitive on an international basis despite it being one of the best financed in the world. The taxpayer is not getting value for money and the potential of our young people is not being realised.

People may consider these sort of exam questions to be humorous. It is not funny because there people out there who cannot afford to send their children to a private school to study the alternative qualifications: GCSEi; Pre-U Diploma; International Baccalaureate.

One of the reasons why I have decided against getting married and having kids is because I don't want to send any of my children to a state school because they are ran for the selfish interests of the politicians and the teachers.

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By *ants Horse Hung CockMan
over a year ago

co durham


"Tought not teached, i didnt do so well in english!

Taught you mean "

That was my first guess of spelling it, changed it at the last minute. But hey thats what spell checkers for at work lol

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"Unfortunately, the evidence does suggest that the school subjects at both GCSE and A Level have been made less rigorous. The teachers won't admit it because it is not in their interest. They need the number of pupils passing to rise so that they are in a commanding position to negotiate higher salaries.

The reality is that our education system is not competitive on an international basis despite it being one of the best financed in the world. The taxpayer is not getting value for money and the potential of our young people is not being realised.

People may consider these sort of exam questions to be humorous. It is not funny because there people out there who cannot afford to send their children to a private school to study the alternative qualifications: GCSEi; Pre-U Diploma; International Baccalaureate.

One of the reasons why I have decided against getting married and having kids is because I don't want to send any of my children to a state school because they are ran for the selfish interests of the politicians and the teachers. "

First paragraph A**

Second paragraph A*

Third paragraph D-

Fourth paragraph U

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By *icketysplitsWoman
over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

It was on More or Less this afternoon.

The fact that so many people have been discussing it and having to have it explained to them tells me that it's not that simple for a lot of people.

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By *ants Horse Hung CockMan
over a year ago

co durham


"It was on More or Less this afternoon.

The fact that so many people have been discussing it and having to have it explained to them tells me that it's not that simple for a lot of people.

"

No its not simple but if youre aiming for an A or A* then that question was super easy and should be achieved

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By *awandOrderCouple
over a year ago

SW London


"Unfortunately, the evidence does suggest that the school subjects at both GCSE and A Level have been made less rigorous. The teachers won't admit it because it is not in their interest. They need the number of pupils passing to rise so that they are in a commanding position to negotiate higher salaries.

The reality is that our education system is not competitive on an international basis despite it being one of the best financed in the world. The taxpayer is not getting value for money and the potential of our young people is not being realised.

People may consider these sort of exam questions to be humorous. It is not funny because there people out there who cannot afford to send their children to a private school to study the alternative qualifications: GCSEi; Pre-U Diploma; International Baccalaureate.

One of the reasons why I have decided against getting married and having kids is because I don't want to send any of my children to a state school because they are ran for the selfish interests of the politicians and the teachers. "

Why don't you try working in one to back up your argument

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Unfortunately, the evidence does suggest that the school subjects at both GCSE and A Level have been made less rigorous. The teachers won't admit it because it is not in their interest. They need the number of pupils passing to rise so that they are in a commanding position to negotiate higher salaries.

The reality is that our education system is not competitive on an international basis despite it being one of the best financed in the world. The taxpayer is not getting value for money and the potential of our young people is not being realised.

People may consider these sort of exam questions to be humorous. It is not funny because there people out there who cannot afford to send their children to a private school to study the alternative qualifications: GCSEi; Pre-U Diploma; International Baccalaureate.

One of the reasons why I have decided against getting married and having kids is because I don't want to send any of my children to a state school because they are ran for the selfish interests of the politicians and the teachers.

Why don't you try working in one to back up your argument"

I would not want to work in a comprehensive school because of the lack of discipline. I really do have sympathy for what some teachers are expected to endure.

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By *hyblueEyesMan
over a year ago

Daventry


"Unfortunately, the evidence does suggest that the school subjects at both GCSE and A Level have been made less rigorous. The teachers won't admit it because it is not in their interest. They need the number of pupils passing to rise so that they are in a commanding position to negotiate higher salaries.

The reality is that our education system is not competitive on an international basis despite it being one of the best financed in the world. The taxpayer is not getting value for money and the potential of our young people is not being realised.

People may consider these sort of exam questions to be humorous. It is not funny because there people out there who cannot afford to send their children to a private school to study the alternative qualifications: GCSEi; Pre-U Diploma; International Baccalaureate.

One of the reasons why I have decided against getting married and having kids is because I don't want to send any of my children to a state school because they are ran for the selfish interests of the politicians and the teachers. "

Coming from a teacher the above statement is bullshit. Teachers are in this job for the kids. If we were in it for the money nobody would enter teaching. If you consider most teachers work around a 60 hour week and contrary to popular belief we work through most of our holidays catching up on the crap the government demands we must do to satisfy ofsted. A teacher on the top wage will earn around £10 an hour, so don't you dare bullshit me with its to get a pay rise. In reality the government is the issue as they want to report that the % of kids passing each year keeps going up. Teachers have no control over the exams or the boundaries used to give the grades. The problem is the league tables. If schools don't do so well parents take their kids out, if kids go income drops and schools cannot afford to provide a quality education. Add in to the fact most schools are old and dated, heating and electricity bills are through the roof as buildings are not economical and repair costs are massive. Then you will see where the money goes. Oh and of course the other big cost is the head. Who on average earns the equivalent of around 6 experienced teachers. Try being a teacher for a while, you certainly wouldn't be making ridiculous comments like this. Rant over

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By *iss_tressWoman
over a year ago

London


"Unfortunately, the evidence does suggest that the school subjects at both GCSE and A Level have been made less rigorous. The teachers won't admit it because it is not in their interest. They need the number of pupils passing to rise so that they are in a commanding position to negotiate higher salaries.

The reality is that our education system is not competitive on an international basis despite it being one of the best financed in the world. The taxpayer is not getting value for money and the potential of our young people is not being realised.

People may consider these sort of exam questions to be humorous. It is not funny because there people out there who cannot afford to send their children to a private school to study the alternative qualifications: GCSEi; Pre-U Diploma; International Baccalaureate.

One of the reasons why I have decided against getting married and having kids is because I don't want to send any of my children to a state school because they are ran for the selfish interests of the politicians and the teachers. "

All my children all went to state schools. All have degrees, one has a masters and one us studying for a PhD.

My daughters are all employed, even at uni they had jobs, the eldest (32) is married the other two (23 and 27) are in long term relationships. None have children.

My ex-husband and I have a strong work ethic and raised our children not to accept glass ceilings.

What other people do/don't do has no bearing on my life. I have a friend who didn't marry because her parents divorced. Don't see her point as she goes from one loser to the next...but I digress.

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By *eMontresMan
over a year ago

Halesowen

Back to the original post a second, the equation is a quadratic and can be solved by factoring or by the formula x = [ -b ± sqrt(b^2 - 4ac) ] / 2a.

It was a standard part of the old GCE O level syllabus, and one had to memorise the formula (no formula sheets or calculators in those days), as well as know how to apply it.

The example given above can be easily deduced just by trying a few obvious numbers, without even having to try factoring or using the formula.

Yet, the op stated that this has been dubbed a fiendishly difficult equation, the like of which has never been seen before at GCSE - says it all really

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By *B9 QueenWoman
over a year ago

Over the rainbow, under the bridge


"Unfortunately, the evidence does suggest that the school subjects at both GCSE and A Level have been made less rigorous. The teachers won't admit it because it is not in their interest. They need the number of pupils passing to rise so that they are in a commanding position to negotiate higher salaries.

The reality is that our education system is not competitive on an international basis despite it being one of the best financed in the world. The taxpayer is not getting value for money and the potential of our young people is not being realised.

People may consider these sort of exam questions to be humorous. It is not funny because there people out there who cannot afford to send their children to a private school to study the alternative qualifications: GCSEi; Pre-U Diploma; International Baccalaureate.

One of the reasons why I have decided against getting married and having kids is because I don't want to send any of my children to a state school because they are ran for the selfish interests of the politicians and the teachers. "

iGCSE can and is taught in British secondary schools.

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By *eMontresMan
over a year ago

Halesowen

Oh, I should have said, quadratics always have two solutions for x (or n as in this case), and in this case n= 10 or -9.

If plotted graphically, a quadratic equation will give a symmetrical parabola, imagine the flight of a ball thrown up and forward, the arc it takes is a parabola.

Just stuff I'm remembering from O level maths I did over 35 years ago. Anyone who did proper maths, will know that standards have fallen through the floor, everyone gets A or A* so long as they put a bit of effort in. Very little of the grade is examination based, and the exams are woefully dumbed down compared to the standard they used to be.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Unfortunately, the evidence does suggest that the school subjects at both GCSE and A Level have been made less rigorous. The teachers won't admit it because it is not in their interest. They need the number of pupils passing to rise so that they are in a commanding position to negotiate higher salaries.

The reality is that our education system is not competitive on an international basis despite it being one of the best financed in the world. The taxpayer is not getting value for money and the potential of our young people is not being realised.

People may consider these sort of exam questions to be humorous. It is not funny because there people out there who cannot afford to send their children to a private school to study the alternative qualifications: GCSEi; Pre-U Diploma; International Baccalaureate.

One of the reasons why I have decided against getting married and having kids is because I don't want to send any of my children to a state school because they are ran for the selfish interests of the politicians and the teachers.

iGCSE can and is taught in British secondary schools. "

I made a mistake by including the IGCSE. On further research, there is evidence to suggest that they are now even easier than the normal GCSE!

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationnews/10255180/Schools-moving-to-easy-IGCSE-exams-to-boost-grades.html

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

My grandson is doing the E bacc. The difference with the I bacc is it's altered for each nationality

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"

Show that n²-n-90=0

is described as a "fiendishly difficult question" , not seen in previous papers, and aimed at those candidates targeting a Grade A or A*.

My diety.

Anyone know if you can have -9 sweets? "

Thats not terribly difficult, although i'm still worried by how much i've forgotten from my Standard Grades and Highers

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"My grandson is doing the E bacc. The difference with the I bacc is it's altered for each nationality "

The E Bacc is a measure of performance and not a qualification.

https://www.gov.uk/english-baccalaureate-information-for-schools

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a world class qualification that the politicians cannot interfere with. Unlike the GCSE and A Level, the IB has not been made easier and has maintained it's value and reputation.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"

Show that n²-n-90=0

is described as a "fiendishly difficult question" , not seen in previous papers, and aimed at those candidates targeting a Grade A or A*.

My diety.

Anyone know if you can have -9 sweets? "

could mean anything really. have to double check what your teaching

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Unfortunately, the evidence does suggest that the school subjects at both GCSE and A Level have been made less rigorous. The teachers won't admit it because it is not in their interest. They need the number of pupils passing to rise so that they are in a commanding position to negotiate higher salaries.

The reality is that our education system is not competitive on an international basis despite it being one of the best financed in the world. The taxpayer is not getting value for money and the potential of our young people is not being realised.

People may consider these sort of exam questions to be humorous. It is not funny because there people out there who cannot afford to send their children to a private school to study the alternative qualifications: GCSEi; Pre-U Diploma; International Baccalaureate.

One of the reasons why I have decided against getting married and having kids is because I don't want to send any of my children to a state school because they are ran for the selfish interests of the politicians and the teachers.

iGCSE can and is taught in British secondary schools.

I made a mistake by including the IGCSE. On further research, there is evidence to suggest that they are now even easier than the normal GCSE!

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationnews/10255180/Schools-moving-to-easy-IGCSE-exams-to-boost-grades.html"

Interesting link. Thanks for this

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By *eMontresMan
over a year ago

Halesowen

When I did my IB back in the 70s. it was generally considered to be the equivalent of 5 or 6 A levels. As a previous poster has pointed out, being beyond the control of our politicians and teachers, it has not been dumbed down like the current A levels.

As a result, many HE establishments now value an IB more highly than A levels, and many private schools in the UK are offering the IB instead.

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