ITN
Exam results spark debate
Exam results spark debate
Hundreds of thousands of teenagers are opening their A level results but exam standards have been thrown under the spotlight once again. Pass rates have increased for the 24th year in a row and with more students than ever scoring good grades. Teachers appealed to critics to allow pupils to enjoy their day of success at the end of two years hard work without complaining about 'dumbing down'. But research by a group of schools which teach the International Baccalaureate diploma instead of A levels reignited the annual debate. Last year almost a quarter of A level exam entries were awarded A grades. The survey of 50 UK university admissions officers found four out of ten thought rising pass rates were because the exams system was 'getting easier'. And many said that A levels failed to prepare sixth-formers well enough for the challenge of academic degree courses, the survey for ACS International Schools found. Headteachers voiced dismay that the research had emerged as students prepared to open their results. John Dunford, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: 'It is very disappointing that anybody should be doing this on the day that the students are celebrating their very considerable achievements. 'The A level remains an extremely difficult school leaving exam for the vast majority of youngsters.' Chris Keates, general secretary of teachers' union NASUWT, said students should be allowed to enjoy their success without carping from critics of the A level system. 'The publication of the A level results is invariably accompanied by the now annual ritual of carping and criticism,' she said. 'All of this casts a dark and depressing shadow over years of work by students and teachers. Whatever the results, A levels remain a testing experience for all.'
ITN | August 17, 2006
