EASIER EXAMS MEANS BETTER A LEVEL RESULTS…SIMPLE!!
A-level results: Top grades fall There has been a decline in the proportion of A-level grades awarded an A or A* for the first time in over two decades.
Headlining with the message that top A Level grades have fallen masks the overall trend that we have seen for year upon year. As the article says, “The figures published by the Joint Council for Qualifications also show that the overall pass rate has risen again for the 30th successive year.” Apart from the fact that nobody seems to understand what constitutes a pass, can anybody really argue that this trend is not simply a reflection of declining examination standards?
As always politicians jump on figures and talk of what marvellous things they have a achieved. Stephen Twigg says that, “These impressive results are thanks to better teaching, better school leadership and Labour’s relentless focus on literacy and numeracy and record investment in schools.”
No they’re not, they are the result of easier exams. If examination boards have to account to Ofqual, have they done so and what have Ofqual got to say about this year’s results? Almost to a man and woman teaching professionals do an excellent job under often trying circumstances but they can only work with what they are given.
The results also showed that independent schools outperformed the state sector. “50% of entries in independent schools achieved A* or A grade, while 23% achieved these top grades in state schools and colleges.”
When I myself taught in the Independent sector the maximum class size was 8. I was able to give ALL of my students the time needed to maximise their potential. You don’t have to be a Mathematician to see the difference. Achieving those numbers in state education is clearly next to impossible but perhaps more teachers and more teaching assistants might help?
Oh, but that costs money! Perhaps the government can sell off some more sports fields to pay for extra staff?
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