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1.
A lot of people are commenting over a short timescale- five years or so. One only gets perspective if one looks over a minimum of 10 years and preferably 15-20.
2.
The introduction of the GCSE reduced the number of A level boards and syllabuses. That had a huge impact on the A level textbook market. There is now a textbook for every course. That reduces the scope for bad teaching.
3.
It is almost impossible to compare anything other than maths/sciences because in arts and social science subjects the issue is the depth and insight of the answer. Nevertheless subjects such as economics seem to have eliminated essay questions.
4.
It is generally accepted that syllabus content has been significantly reduced.
5.
It is frequently thought that modern questions tend to lead candidates by the nose to a greater extent.
6.
Modular examinations require candidates to retain less information for shorter periods.
7.
Multiple resits lead to grade inflation but have no impact on exam difficulty.
8.
Teaching to the test has increased.
9.
Modern exams are designed to be more skills and less knowledge orientated. It is debatable whether that is a good thing, but if you take what was there is the past as the benchmark, you are bound to be disappointed by the present. A modern Jaguar car clearly isn't as good as one from the 1950s because there isn't a starting handle and part of the joy of driving is double de-clutching.