The only people who think exams are the best method of assessment are those who have benefitted

People start to favour more inclusive assessment techniques, such as coursework and practicals, and then as that gains momentum, it swings the other way. That other way being towards rigid and draconian exam formats. 

Over the past year, we have witnessed the discourse around how we assess pupils’ achievements when sitting exams wasn’t deemed Covid-19 safe.  The centralised algorithm didn’t go that well did it?

Then we talked about teacher assessment. That was criticised as teachers couldn’t be trusted. Well was a slap in the face wasn’t it? I get that it’s a conflict to mark one’s own work, but really? Why can we not all settle on a sensible middle way, that combines different assessment techniques recognising and valuing everyone’s preferred learning methods and working styles? That is true inclusivity and diversity. It is one way to achieve social mobility.