GCSE Standards Slipping?

Once again the pass rate, and A-A* rate of students in the UK has gone up.  Once again the number of students taking French or a second language has gone down.  Although it is possible to accept that general levels of education have gone up, it is fairly difficult to believe that the level required to achieve an ‘A’ grade is proportionally as high as it was twenty years ago.  Furthermore this ‘grade inflation’ limits the value of grades year in year out to the point where they are really of very little comparative value anymore. 

Although I realize that it is a frequent request, perhaps it is time for a overall of the English education system, to include a higher level of achievement possible.  Simply making  GCSEs harder would both failt o solve the language problem, and in fact be grossly unfair to the students in the year whereas GCSE become suddenly notable harder!!  Some form of my flexible learning system should be introduce.  Whereas pupils may studies a varied program of subjects that don’t necessarily lead to a GCSE, and don’t need to take a full two years.  This will both allow able students to take on ‘extra credit’ courses and differentiate themselves, but also allow students to take on language courses without the commitment of a two-year GCSE.

 If students are able to  choose say a three months French course, lending to a minor qualification, or towards a GCSE(depending on the students preference) then this would allow the flexibility necessary to improve educational standards.  An able student could take an elective in Latin, or psychology to broaden their education.  Whereas a less able student may simply take the basic course.   Too much time is wasted on this topic, and there is a clear need for deceive action.