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To: Education Secretary Damian Hinds

Make GCSE English exams fair for students with Dyslexia

Remove marks for spelling, handwriting and punctuation on English GCSE exams for children with Dyslexia so they are not discriminated against.

Why is this important?

Many children with dyslexia are exceptionally gifted at English but will now struggle to pass their GCSE due to how many marks are dedicated to spelling and punctuation. This is discrimination and can only have a negative effect on their futures. It can also negatively impact their mental health.
Both of my children are dyslexic and both have a gift for writing. Their school teachers say they are very talented, however being dyslexic they cannot grasp spelling however hard they try. They also struggle with handwriting and remembering punctuation and because of this will possibly fail to obtain a C at GCSE even if they get full marks for everything else.
I know they are not unique. 10% of the population are dyslexic. Taking away marks for poor spelling, not just in English but other subjects too, could mean that these students may not be able to access further education, even if they are exceptionally bright. Dyslexic children are being set up to fail all because of spelling. I believe this approach is archaic and needs to change now.

Updates

2019-03-08 23:04:57 +0000

10,000 signatures reached

2018-11-07 20:22:37 +0000

I have set up a campaign group on facebook called 'Campaign to remove of SPAG allocation for candidates with dyslexia'. If you would like to help take this campaign further then please ask to join and I will add you. Thanks

2018-09-10 15:24:42 +0100

5,000 signatures reached

2018-06-07 13:13:01 +0100

Thanks for signing my petition. I have written to my MP who has promised to bring it up with the Minister for School Standards. This is a great way to get it discussed in parliament by the relevant people so if you have the time, please do the same. Thanks, Sonia

2018-05-20 22:32:43 +0100

1,000 signatures reached

2018-05-18 20:23:22 +0100

500 signatures reached

2018-05-17 19:10:23 +0100

100 signatures reached

2018-05-17 18:10:49 +0100

50 signatures reached

2018-05-17 17:32:50 +0100

25 signatures reached

2018-05-16 21:44:19 +0100

10 signatures reached