GCSE A grades to hit new record fuelled by 'soft subjects'

A record one in five GCSEs will be awarded top grades this week as results rise for the 20th year in a row. By Graeme Paton, Education Editor The number of top pass rates is expected to eclipse 2007 results, when 19.5 per cent of papers was graded an A* or A. Experts say many schools are moving pupils away from tough subjects such as languages and three separate sciences towards softer alternatives such as design and technology and business studies - boosting their position in league tables. The stakes are even higher this year after 638 schools in England were told they may be shut or taken over by 2011 if they fail to hit key Government targets. They must ensure at least 30 per cent of pupils leave with five good GCSEs including the key subjects of English and mathematics. It has emerged that many schools will be stripped... [read full story]