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Press Release

Ofqual survey of public attitudes to GCSEs and A-level

31 March 2011

Commenting on the report by Ofqual, Perceptions of A levels and GCSEs Wave 9, Christine Blower, General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers, the largest teachers' union, said;

“It is reassuring to see that despite the usual outcry of dropping standards every time GCSE and A level results are published, public confidence in examinations remains high.

“The frequency and scope of change to our qualifications needs to be reduced so that standards over time can be maintained. We seem to be unique in our willingness to change our qualification system to suit the whim of ministers. Consequently, our qualifications rarely have time to bed in and undergo thoughtful development before they are swept aside as a leftover from a previous government, or even a previous minister. The Diploma is a prime example.

“Government needs to take a step back from intervention in qualifications. If A Levels and GCSEs are to be reformed then the teaching profession should be consulted and take the lead in the process.

“Policymakers in Government need to revisit the proposals put forward by Tomlinson and the NUT and create a single overarching qualification which is universally recognised by employers, parents and universities.”



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National Union of Teachers

National Union of Teachers

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