A Levels: Teaching union views

The announcement of a modest rise in the A Level pass rate has been followed by wave of criticism of the qualification.

 

The UK's leading teaching unions, however, praised the performance of both students and teachers.

 

 

 

Stakeholder Response: National Union of Teachers

 

 

Steve Sinnott, NUT general secretary, said: "Our students and teachers are to be congratulated for their hard work which has led to these outstanding results. I’m sure they would like to be able to celebrate their successes without the constant claims of dumbing down.

 

"The odds of getting a grade A at A Level are only slightly better than one in five – hardly the sure fire bet the critics would have us believe.

 

"There is need for reform of our examination system, not as a result of any dumbing down, but because of the changing demands of modern society. It is a pity that Lord Adonis appears to rule out the diploma option. That is very short-sighted.

 

"The continued improvement in the performance of boys is particularly welcome. The figures do not justify a celebration, but they are certainly pointing in the right direction.

 

"The improvement in the number of young people taking science subjects and maths at A Level is very welcome. As is the improvement at AS Level in the numbers taking French and Spanish, although there has been a decline at A Level in the numbers taking German and French."

 

 

Stakeholder Response: Association of Teachers and Lecturers

 

 

Association of Teachers and Lecturers general secretary Dr Mary Bousted said: "Today we should all congratulate this year’s students and their teachers for their achievements at A and AS level. The rise in passes and A grades is a testimony to better teaching and all the hard work put in by students and teachers over the past two years.

 

"However, the current exam system is not serving the nation’s children or the UK and its ability to compete in global markets. A Levels are the wrong exam for the 21st century.

 

"We need a set of qualifications which end the false divide between academic and vocational subjects if we are to equip this generation with the wide range of knowledge and skills they need to succeed in life. 

 

"The government made a mistake last year when it rejected Tomlinson’s proposals in its dash to court popularity ahead of the general election. Recent surveys show the government is out of step with the public opinion – the majority of whom recognise that A Levels need reforming.

 

"The government now needs to have the courage to change the post-16 exam system and move to one which integrates academic and vocational qualifications, rather than just tinkering around the edges. We hope Ruth Kelly keeps her nerve and gives us an exam system fit for the 21st century."

 

 

 

Stakeholder Response: Secondary Heads Association

 

 

SHA general secretary Dr John Dunford said: "The rising pass rate is a cause for celebration not recrimination. Indeed, there would be complaints if the results were not improving.

 

"The high proportion of A grades does not show that standards are falling, however, it does reflect the fact that too few students are taking maths, physics and modern languages.

 

"I reject totally the argument, for which there is no research evidence, that standards are falling.

 

"The high pass rate is due to:

• The AS level acting as a sift of those who fail or get low grades.
• Students working harder.
• Teachers being more effective in knowing the exam system better.
• Exam boards being more open about their processes.
• The modular structure of A Level.

"There remains a strong case for incorporating A Levels into a diploma and in the long term the name 'A Level' will disappear.Over the next year we will be pressing the government on this, but today is a time to focus on celebrating the success of the present generation."

 

 

Stakeholder Response: Professional Association of Teachers

 

 

Professional Association of Teachers professional officer Steve Doo said: "Teachers are tired of this annual ritual of undermining the achievements of our young people.

 

"The results reflect the ability of teachers to teach the A Level syllabus and the willingness of young people to commit to their education. Both teachers and students should be congratulated on the success of these results, which are an important indicator of standards within our schools.

 

"Students of all abilities who reach their potential should be praised."

 

 

Stakeholder Response: NASUWT

 

Chris Keates, general secretary of the NASUWT, said: "Sincere congratulations to the students and their teachers. Their hard work and dedication has been rewarded.

"These results demonstrate further real progress towards achieving the ambition NASUWT shares with the government to root out inequality and ensure that high quality of educational opportunity and attainment becomes a reality for the many, not the few.

"This is a time for celebration. Carping critics take note."