NUT: Politically motivated tinkering with qualifications like A levels is damaging
Commenting on today’s A-level results, Christine Blower, General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers, the largest teaching union said:
“These results are a real testament to the commitment and hard work of young people and their teachers. The Government should recognise this rather than continually undermining such achievement with talk of grade inflation and dumbed down qualifications.
The increase in entries in maths and science subjects is welcome but it is still a significant concern that modern language learning continues to decline.
“Government commissioned research by Ofqual shows that A levels compare favourably with equivalent qualifications internationally. There have always been measures in place to ensure that qualifications are comparable from year to year, and that process must be independent and free from political interference. Students should be extremely proud of gaining well respected qualifications and have every right to celebrate their achievements.
“Politically motivated tinkering with qualifications in recent years has been damaging rather than beneficial. A levels and similar qualifications serve a range of purposes for different learners.
“Our future qualification system needs to be well considered and planned, and have wide professional support. Any discussion about reform, whether by Government, awarding bodies, or others needs to include all and this would of course, include teachers who have a stake in the education of young people. None of this should undermine the qualifications that young people have gained today.
“This Government has cut the Education Maintenance Allowance, raised tuition fees, cut school and local authority budgets and closed libraries. These are measures that will curtail the education opportunities for many young people. Education must be for all not the few.
END pr128-2012
For further information contact Caroline Cowie on 0207 380 4706/ 07879480061
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