2005 A level results

18 August 2005

Commenting on the examination results for students at A level, 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 but 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.”