Teachers' A-level quality fears

A rising number of teachers are concerned about the quality of A-levels
12 April 2012

Rising numbers of teachers are concerned about the quality of A-levels, a report suggests.

One in four A-level teachers are worried about incorrect grading and marking of exam papers, according to a study by regulator Ofqual.

The survey of 500 teachers, more than 400 parents and children and almost 1,800 members of the general public looked at perceptions of GCSEs and A-levels following the 2009 exam series.

It highlights an increase in the proportion of teachers who believe the accuracy and quality of marking of papers has decreased in recent years.

More than a third (37%) believe the quality of A-level marking has worsened over the last two years, compared with 28% in 2008. Of these, one in four (27%) are worried about the numbers of papers being sent back for re-marking, or appeals succeeding.

Just a quarter of teachers (28%) now say they have no concerns about the A-level system, down ten percentage points from 2008. Some 6% say exams or the curriculum is too easy and students are allowed too many retakes, although this figures has fallen from 13% in 2008.

The findings also disclose that many teachers believe students no longer have to work as hard to get good A-levels. Less than a third (31%) think that A-level students work harder today than ever before.

The numbers of students passing GCSEs and A-levels has been rising year on year, and research published by the Cambridge Assessment exam board earlier this week found that the proportion of pupils in England scoring three As at A-level has nearly doubled since the 1990s.

The qualifications were re-vamped in 2008, with students now sitting tougher essay-style questions, and the introduction of the A* grade to help find the brightest candidates.

Ofqual chairman Kathleen Tattersall said the survey showed that in general, people's perceptions of A-levels and GCSEs "remains positive". She added: "The survey also shows us that there is more work to do, and we are not complacent. We will continue to work with the awarding organisations to ensure they have the systems in place to continue to deliver high-quality qualifications and that the awarding process is as accurate as it can be, ensuring learners get the grades their work deserves."

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