von-Scharnhorst
03-10-2006, 11:00 AM
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=408158&in_page_id=1770
Teachers say high pass levels mean A' levels are no longer the 'gold standard'
A-levels are in danger of dying out as disillusioned schools look for tougher alternatives, leading heads warned yesterday.
They fear the current exam system is breaking down as spiralling numbers of top A grades devalue the so-called "gold standard" qualification.
Many more schools are expected to turn to exams such as the continental-style International Baccalaureate unless the Government can restore faith in A-levels with reforms scheduled for 2008.
But heads of top public schools yesterday revealed they are concerned Labour's planned overhaul does not go far enough.
Tougher questions could be made optional rather than compulsory while promises to scale back A-level coursework appear to have been forgotten.
Record numbers of schools - almost 100 state and independent - have already opted for the IB, which was recently judged to be academically superior to A-levels.
A further potential A-level alternative, known as the Cambridge Pre-U, is attracting interest from prestigious independent schools who are helping develop it ready for teaching in 2008.
Leaders of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference, representing 250 public schools, yesterday raised the prospect of the national A-level system collapsing as soaring numbers opt for alternative qualifications.
Teachers say high pass levels mean A' levels are no longer the 'gold standard'
A-levels are in danger of dying out as disillusioned schools look for tougher alternatives, leading heads warned yesterday.
They fear the current exam system is breaking down as spiralling numbers of top A grades devalue the so-called "gold standard" qualification.
Many more schools are expected to turn to exams such as the continental-style International Baccalaureate unless the Government can restore faith in A-levels with reforms scheduled for 2008.
But heads of top public schools yesterday revealed they are concerned Labour's planned overhaul does not go far enough.
Tougher questions could be made optional rather than compulsory while promises to scale back A-level coursework appear to have been forgotten.
Record numbers of schools - almost 100 state and independent - have already opted for the IB, which was recently judged to be academically superior to A-levels.
A further potential A-level alternative, known as the Cambridge Pre-U, is attracting interest from prestigious independent schools who are helping develop it ready for teaching in 2008.
Leaders of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference, representing 250 public schools, yesterday raised the prospect of the national A-level system collapsing as soaring numbers opt for alternative qualifications.