A PROPOSED major reform of GCSEs which would see the exam becoming entirely modular, could bring greater cohesion between A levels and GCSEs, according to local headteachers.

Under proposals put forward by Ken Boston, chief executive of the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, the GCSE would become entirely modular with pupils being able to take vocational and academic options within each subject.

Modular courses allow different aspects of a subject to be carried out and assessed separately. Stephen Brierley, the Bolton joint branch secretary of the Secondary Heads Association, said the union was in favour of the proposal.

Currently AS and A-levels have a modular structure so the union's view was that it made sense to have a similar modular structure at GCSE. Mr Brierley said: "It doesn't seem to be wise to have one system for GCSE and then another system for A levels."

Harper Green School in Farnworth is already very familiar with the modular approach to academic GCSEs.

He said: "We find it an exciting and interesting way to deliver the syllabus and our pupils are highly motivated by the regular feedback they receive on their performance."