Beaverstate

Funny how wording means everything, yet seems to achieve nothing. Still comes down to who has the most tanks, fighters, SAMS and who knows how to use them.

scrubbedexpat141

Yes, agree. Also agree that words matter too. I think it's a good question to ask a kid to answer if better worded.

But you'd still be asking the exact same question fundamentally.

Meow

So teach them properly and word it correctly and sensitively. That should be part of the lesson.

The Dean

So you keep saying, yes................

Go on then - word it better.

(And am I the only one who thinks this is way too serious/complicated for 15-16 year olds? I'd love to see the 'syllabus' it was allegedly part of. I'd also love to read some of the answers.)

scrubbedexpat141

I don't think you can. It still results in offense because it remains the same question / answer.

Difficult to make the above sound like I'm disagreeing with you because I'm not, I just don't see this sort of thing not upsetting someone if you want to ask the question

Meow

Surely anyone has the sense to word that better without it being spelled out?

I haven't see the full syllabus so I don't know if this is purely related to Nazi Germany and the Holocaust or a more general discussion. That would make a difference, but some suggestions for starters:

Why was anti-semitism prevalent in Nazi Germany?
For what reason was anti-semitism encouraged?
Explain some of the reasons for the persecution of Jews?
Why, as a group, have Jews been subject to persecution and hatred?

Meow

Do you know any Jews who have been persecuted in any way, or been subject to ant-Semitic abuse or prejudice? I am telling you that it matters a great deal.

The Dean

You're giving that age group too much credit for intelligence - they won't ask a question that contains words that candidates might not understand (Anti-semitism, persecution, etc). I'm not joking. The actual chosen wording is clearly understood - yours are not, to a typical cross-section of GCSE candidates.

Meow

If they are being taught about the issue then the words antisemitism and persecution would be used. If they are 15 or 16 they are perfectly capable of understanding and then using them when used as part of the course.

The Dean

Your comment applies to the top, say, 10-15 percent of the nation's 15-16 year olds.

By the way - what did YOU think of the requirement to "Explain, briefly......"?

scrubbedexpat141

Not sure why you think I've said it doesn't matter?

I'm saying that regardless of how it's worded, it is still going to be offensive to someone.

Meow

Do show me where I've said you don't think it matter...

Some things matter a great deal to many people. A little more sensitivity from some would be helpful

Meow

Two words: dumbing down.

The Dean

Completely agree - and I think it's THAT that makes the question unsuitable, not the wording..........

Coming soon: "In fifty words or less, discuss the relationship between Protestants and Catholics in West Belfast between 1969 and 2002".

scrubbedexpat141

You said it 'matters a great deal'.

I don't debate that point and have said that it is always going to cause offense, so I fully understand that it matters.

None of the questions you suggest provide any better way of asking the very same thing.

Kids are taught about certain things in the two years of GCSE study. The exam board can ask questions on any aspect of it. I think it would be more offensive to people if they were deliberately not teaching about the Jewish religion, practices, features, beliefs and history to avoid asking a question like that and potentially causing upset.