Hot on the heels of planned reforms at GCSE level (discussed on our blog last month) there are now rumours of changes at A Level. This is an often see pattern in educational reform, changes are made at school level and then followed by changes at sixth form/college/A Level. The suggested changes seem to be as a result of the continual rise of pass rates at GCSE and A Level over the last few years and the implication that the system has been dumbed down. Many educators now want to see a return to a more academically rigorous system where there are less modules and more end of year/course exams.
This summer Ofqual (regulator of qualifications, examinations and assessments in England) will consult on moving away from the A Level modular system. Recently Ofqaul compared exam papers over the last ten years and found they were easier – there are now fewer essay questions and more multiple choice (often referred to a multiple guess) questions.
So what might exam reform at A Level look like?
- It might involve a return to traditional end of course exams which means slow and steady progress will be needed throughout the whole of the course.
- The type of questions in exam papers may be changed to involve more essays and critical thinking.
- There may be the introduction of other qualifications alongside the A Level including Diplomas.
- There may be more focus on children learning independent study skills – this is where a private tutor can really help embed those skills.
If you need help with A Level study (English, Maths, Biology, and Psychology and other subjects ) in Manchester and Cheshire (including Stockport, Bramhall and Wilmslow) then contact us.
Tags: A level, A level results, A2, AS, AS level