A-levels are ace
From David Miliband Sir: Peter °borne raises a number of issues to contend with my assertion that the rise in A-level grades is the product of higher standards of teaching and learning (Politics, 21 August). I think it is important that I answer them one by one.
First, he says universities now regard A-levels as a 'worthless measure of achievement'. In fact Professor Ivor Crewe, president of Universities UK, said on results day that Alevels had the full support of universities as a key indicator of applicants' achievements. Only 2 per cent of students gain three A grades at A-level. As for his example of Huddersfield University's oversubsidised physiotherapy course, the current requirements for entry are three Cs at A-level, which means they could distinguish between candidates by using higher grades if they so wished.
Secondly, the diagnostic test used by Coventry University is not a good basis to condemn the A-level. While the A-level syllabus has changed, the test has not, so the subject matter is different. The test does not include topics that today's maths A-level students can take, such as dynamics and kinematics of a particle moving in a straight line or plane, and critical path analysis.
Thirdly, he says that soldiers with a C pass at maths GCSE struggle with basic fractions and have to take a Ministry of Defence remedial maths programme. I find it very hard to see how a candidate would be able to gain a C at GCSE without being able to do fractions when fractions could be necessary in up to 40 per cent of the GCSE.
I do not say that the 14-19 system is perfect. That is why we set up Mike Tomlinson's review, and he will come forward with proposals later this year looking at how we stretch the most able, boost participation, improve the vocational training on offer and reduce the burden of assessment.
However, Mr Oborne's points do not stand up against the independent evidence which shows that standards have been maintained. At a time when Ofsted, the independent inspectorate of schools, says the standard of teaching has never been higher, we should expect to have rising levels of achievement in our schools and colleges.
David Miliband
School Standards Minister, London SW1
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