Advance warning over new A-levels
Exams regulators have given a warning of potential problems with the new AS and A-level exams this year and next.
The changes involve having four instead of six course units, tougher questions in exams and an A* for top candidates.
Last time A-levels were changed, in 2002, papers in a dozen subjects had to be reviewed and [...]
AS level exams a ‘waste of time’
Ministers were under pressure to scrap AS-level exams last night amid claims they are “killing” teenagers’ education.
By Graeme Paton, Education Editor
Last Updated: 7:27PM GMT 19 Mar 2009
Academics and independent schools heads said tests - sat during the first year of A-levels - were getting in the way of teaching.
Many schools are forced to abandon normal [...]
‘Too few’ apprenticeships started
Too few teenagers in England are starting apprenticeships, partly because of poor careers guidance, a report by the Skills Commission says.
It says an expansion of the apprenticeship programme “must not come at the expense of quality”.
Teachers, as the main source of careers guidance, must be better trained in this area, says the report.
The government wants [...]
Ministers’ £1bn UK science plea
By Pallab Ghosh
Science Correspondent, BBC News
Pressure is mounting to follow the US example of putting money into science
The Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (Dius) is pressing for a £1bn cash boost to scientific research.
Dius is in discussions with the Treasury to agree the funds before next month as part of a stimulus [...]
University work call for pupils
More teenagers should study university modules alongside their A-levels, a body representing schools and colleges has suggested.
The Specialist Schools and Academies Trust said the initiative, already happening in some schools, prepares young people for higher education.
The scheme is one of several designed to encourage pupils to consider going on to university.
The Westminster government wants 50% [...]
Vocational ICT Courses Condemned
Vocational ICT qualifications that schools use to climb league tables are of “doubtful value”, teach pupils what they already know, neglect essential skills and are causing a sharp decline in the subject post 16, Ofsted warned this week.
The watchdog is calling on ministers to evaluate the worth of two courses that it notes count as [...]
Computer lessons ‘lagging behind’
The popularity of information and communication technology is declining rapidly despite the importance of the subject to adult life, a report says.
In 2007 there were 45% fewer girls taking A-levels in the subject than in 2004, and almost a third fewer boys.
Teaching in some schools is lagging behind and many pupils are taking qualifications of [...]
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