Discussion paper: Education systems urged to restructure: Why? What questions are really asked? by Roger-François Gauthier Click to download: English version French version

In Years 10 and 11 there are compulsory and optional subjects. Students can choose from a wide variety of courses at age 14 as long as they are available at their school – however, not all schools offer the same options. But when should children specialise and make choices, how can their diverse needs be met, and how flexible does the system need to be to meet these needs?

So, is 14 the new 16 for testing learners’ knowledge, skills and ability, should they test for academic/vocational pathway direction or should testing be scrapped altogether until the age of 18?