Menu
22/02/2008
Report Shows Some Exams Are Easier Than Others
A report from the Government exams watchdog has suggested some subjects in GCSEs and A-levels are easier than others.
History was more "demanding" than geography at GCSE and AS-level, while chemistry was the most difficult of the three sciences at all levels, the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) said.
The watchdog said the subjects reviewed in the study were "broadly comparable" in their difficulty overall.
But there were concerns that pupils were given credit for "prepared" answers in some A-levels, while other students won marks for writing "uncritically" about their own lives.
Martin Ward, deputy general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: "Of course some people have an aptitude for one area over another. But school and college leaders know that exams in all subjects are not equal.
"Students choose a variety of subjects at both GCSE and A-level, and the perception remains very strong that some subjects are harder than others.
"This skews student choice and, because the harder subjects are the physical sciences, mathematics and modern foreign languages, this situation works to the disadvantage of the country and its future prosperity."
Schools Minister Jim Knight said comparing subjects was "complex". He added: "The level of demand is broadly comparable across the subjects considered in the studies."
(CD)
History was more "demanding" than geography at GCSE and AS-level, while chemistry was the most difficult of the three sciences at all levels, the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) said.
The watchdog said the subjects reviewed in the study were "broadly comparable" in their difficulty overall.
But there were concerns that pupils were given credit for "prepared" answers in some A-levels, while other students won marks for writing "uncritically" about their own lives.
Martin Ward, deputy general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: "Of course some people have an aptitude for one area over another. But school and college leaders know that exams in all subjects are not equal.
"Students choose a variety of subjects at both GCSE and A-level, and the perception remains very strong that some subjects are harder than others.
"This skews student choice and, because the harder subjects are the physical sciences, mathematics and modern foreign languages, this situation works to the disadvantage of the country and its future prosperity."
Schools Minister Jim Knight said comparing subjects was "complex". He added: "The level of demand is broadly comparable across the subjects considered in the studies."
(CD)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 February 2005
Schools' Chief Inspector warns of education 'class gap'
The Chief Inspector of Schools, David Bell, has highlighted problems in the improvement of education in his annual report. The report, which draws upon evidence from inspections carried out during the 2003/04 academic year, found that, although the education system was generally improving, there were a number of issues that caused concern.
Schools' Chief Inspector warns of education 'class gap'
The Chief Inspector of Schools, David Bell, has highlighted problems in the improvement of education in his annual report. The report, which draws upon evidence from inspections carried out during the 2003/04 academic year, found that, although the education system was generally improving, there were a number of issues that caused concern.
01 November 2013
GCSE Changes Confirmed
GCSE's in England are to undergo the "biggest shake-up of exams in England for a generation", regulator Ofqual has announced. The old A – E grading system will be replaced with a new 1 – 9 numbered system, with 9 being the top mark achievable.
GCSE Changes Confirmed
GCSE's in England are to undergo the "biggest shake-up of exams in England for a generation", regulator Ofqual has announced. The old A – E grading system will be replaced with a new 1 – 9 numbered system, with 9 being the top mark achievable.
02 November 2011
Student Loan Company Recruits 'Lab Subjects'
Students from across the country are being recruited to take part in a unique experiment, which could shape how student finance products and services are run in the future. The Student Loans Company (SLC) has launched a nationwide search for 5,000 customers to take part in its online Student Finance Lab.
Student Loan Company Recruits 'Lab Subjects'
Students from across the country are being recruited to take part in a unique experiment, which could shape how student finance products and services are run in the future. The Student Loans Company (SLC) has launched a nationwide search for 5,000 customers to take part in its online Student Finance Lab.
08 November 2006
Science subjects to receive £75m boost
The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) is to provide £75m in additional funding to support science subjects with declining student numbers. Some high cost science subjects, although strategically important to the economy and society, are vulnerable because of low student demand.
Science subjects to receive £75m boost
The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) is to provide £75m in additional funding to support science subjects with declining student numbers. Some high cost science subjects, although strategically important to the economy and society, are vulnerable because of low student demand.
09 April 2014
Revamp To GCSE And A-Levels Announced
Education Secretary Michael Gove has unveiled plans to revamp GCSE and A-levels in Britain. The "more rigorous content" will be taught from September 2016 and 2015, respectively. The changes are part of a major reform of the exams' system in the UK.
Revamp To GCSE And A-Levels Announced
Education Secretary Michael Gove has unveiled plans to revamp GCSE and A-levels in Britain. The "more rigorous content" will be taught from September 2016 and 2015, respectively. The changes are part of a major reform of the exams' system in the UK.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
