Part of the debate about practical science rests on the fact that we don't even agree on the basics: what makes a good practical lesson? What are practical lessons supposed to achieve? How can schools improve the quality of their practical science?

Just thinking about students' health for a moment, especially student mental health, there is evidence even among school pupils that exams are a major source of anxiety which can lead to ill-health. This is another important reason for re-examining the role of exams.

Examiners have touted a cap on the number of GCSEs pupils can take as the only way to stop the "exam overload" which they

Results day is coming. Of course you know that. If you are a student taking these exams you know that. If you are a parent of a student you most definitely know that.