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The way in which these changes have been implemented will be
reviewed, however. Ms Morris has asked the head of the Qualifications
and Curriculum Authority, David Hargreaves, to "take personal
charge" of the review, which should report its findings in
July.
Acknowledging the concerns being expressed in sixth forms and
colleges about the increased pressures being placed on students,
Ms Morris described the recent curriculum changes as "the
most fundamental reforms to advanced level qualifications for
50 years".
"Inevitably, not everything is yet right in the way they
have been brought in and there will be lessons to be learnt,"
she said.
The idea of increasing the number of subjects studied at A-level
received almost universal support when the changes were first
proposed. Students in most other European countries, including
Scotland, are offered a greater breadth of study than the traditional
A-level system allowed, and therefore do not have to restrict
their own career options at the age of 16.
Students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are now encouraged
to study four or five AS-levels (each the equivalent of half an
A-level) for the first year, and then complete a second year in
three of these subjects to achieve three full A-levels. A Key
Skills qualification, covering written and verbal communication,
application of number and information technology, was also introduced.
But the hasty implementation of the changes has led to "confusion
and chaos", according to the general secretary of the National
Association of Head Teachers, David Hart.
"Nothing can be done to save the damage done to students
and their teachers in the first year but lessons have got to be
learned and learned quickly if we are going to restore confidence
in a broad and balanced curriculum, which is absolutely crucial
to the future of our post-16 students," he said.
John Dunford of the Secondary Heads Association pinpoints "the
desire of governments to have far too many external examinations
for young people" as the root of the problem. The increased
burden of study brought about by the extra tier of examinations
appears to have cancelled out the expected benefits for young
people of broadening the curriculum.
Students, who now face major examinations at 16, 17 and 18, are
finding that they have little time or energy left to pursue external
interests and activities. So much for broadening the mind.
Reported by Helen Doyle
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