logo

The idea that sixth-formers need not take an AS-level in a subject they intend to pursue through to a full A-level is

Posted by admin   ·     ·   Jump to comments

The idea that sixth-formers need not take an AS-level in a subject they intend to pursue through to a full A-level is a case in point. The education secretary Charles Clarke is wisely seeking all-party consensus on as many of the Tomlinson proposals as possible. Tomlinson told private school heads last week that he favours abolishing the Advanced Extension Awards - the so-called "world-class tests" - and including the kind of questions posed in them in A-level papers to test the thinking skills of high-flying pupils. The point is that this is a reform to existing A-levels that does not have to await the introduction of the new diploma. These proposals could be implemented before the diploma is introduced in 10 years' time. The most important one is to give university admissions staff the necessary tools to differentiate between the large number of high-grade applicants, now that more than 20 per cent of scripts achieve an A-grade pass at A-level There are several ways in which this could be done. While we recognise the need for the new diploma to be introduced carefully - with the kind of proper pilots that were so conspicuously lacking with the introduction of the new AS-levels in 2000 - there are several recommendations that should be given urgent attention. Next week's publication of the Tomlinson report on the education of young people aged 14 to 19 is unlikely to spring any big surprises on the waiting education world.

We already know that its key proposal will be to replace GCSEs and A-levels with an overarching diploma. But what will be interesting to see is how quickly the former chief schools' inspector's recommendations will be implemented by ministers. Banks would have liked better-quality doors and windows, more space for community users, and even greater flexibility of classroom use.education independent.co.uk. They must provide what their community wants," says Alison Banks, the secondary school's head.

The Chafford Hundred campus has been specifically designed to give focus to an emerging community.Even so, things are not perfect The school was built on a tight budget of £10.5m. Ducts run across classroom ceilings carrying computer wiring, along with the PA and smoke alarm systems Most children use laptops. "Schools can't any longer be stuck away behind gates at the end of a drive. Classrooms are light and airy, with screens to stop the sun glaring. The air is fresh, free from the usual secondary-school whiff of old trainers and BO, and carpeting keeps the noise level down.The school is hi-tech. A nursery, primary and secondary school sit on the site, along with a public library. Community groups, adult learners and commercial organisations use the secondary school, and the glass-walled atrium entrance feels more like a shopping mall, or some new civic building, than a place for learning.There are other differences, too.

readers comments

Comments are closed.

NBA

NBA

MLB

MLB

NFL

NFL

NHL

NHL

WWE

WWE

Your sideblock text goes here