NASUWT comments on A-level results
Commenting on the A-level results, Chris Keates, General Secretary of the NASUWT, the largest teachers’ union in the UK, said:
“Congratulations must go to young people and their teachers who have worked so hard to deliver yet another excellent set of results.
“It is clear that standards have been maintained across the board and credit for that must go to teachers who have, yet again, pulled out all the stops to ensure that young people are supported to achieve their best.
“They have achieved these results against a backdrop of savage cuts to pay and funding and attacks on their professionalism and working conditions. In addition, they have been preparing for reforms to the curriculum and qualifications that have been rushed through at breakneck speed.
“The rise today in the number of entries for so-called ‘facilitating’ or ‘traditional’ subjects is the likely consequence of the introduction of the English Baccalaureate in school league tables in 2010, and changing perceptions of the kind of qualifications that ' elite' universities value.
“While young people should of course be fully supported to follow such a path if this is where their interests and talents lie, some young people and schools may be feeling pressured into focusing on these subjects to the exclusion of pursuing a broader curriculum, which recognises and values qualifications that lead into high-quality work placements and apprenticeships.
“The Coalition Government’s reforms to the education system, including those currently planned for A-levels, threaten to further narrow the options and opportunities for students, with young people from disadvantaged backgrounds likely to be hit hardest.
“As we celebrate the achievements of today’s students, the Coalition Government must act to ensure that future generations have the opportunity to make the fullest use of their skills and talents.”
Lena Davies
Press and Media Officer
NASUWT
0121 457 6250 / 07867 392746
lena.davies@mail.nasuwt.org.uk
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