Oxford voices confidence in A-Level system
OXFORD UNIVERSITY has reaffirmed its belief in ALevels amidst criticism of the current grading system. On Monday Cambridge University added to calls for an overhaul of the system for 14- to 18-year-olds' education, with director of admissions Geoff Parks condemning the ‘gold standard' ALevel award and demanding a new system that could stretch students and measure their ability properly.
But Oxford University insisted this week that it still had faith in A-Levels, the fate of which is the subject of a government review following the publication of the Tomlinson report assessing the future of sixth-form study. A spokeswoman for the University said: “We are not as reliant on A-Levels as other universities. We would welcome any changes in the school system that would provide more information on the most intelligent students.
The latest debate erupted after Cambridge revealed it rejected over 5,000 students who achieved three A-grade A-Levels last year, leading to fresh concerns that the top grade has been devalued.
24th Feb 2005