David James is a Deputy Headteacher, co-author of The State of Independence, a frequent contributor to the Times Educational Supplement and CapX, as well as being an ISI Inspector. He joins Susan Pallister in the 16th episode of 'The Independent Teacher Podcast' to talk about the proposed reforms to Welsh GCSEs. David explains why he believes the impending changes amount to an act of educational vandalism on an epic scale. In addition, he also discusses the need to maintain the status quo in terms of assessment in the English education system. David provides some festive cheer with a number of great book recommendations for the forthcoming Christmas break.