If A* is the new A, is A the new B?

Mostly, however, in independent schools. I've heard that state schools aren't supposed to predict anyone an A* grade. I think that takes the pressure off somewhat.

My state school predicted me an A* :s

Mostly, however, in independent schools. I've heard that state schools aren't supposed to predict anyone an A* grade. I think that takes the pressure off somewhat.

But actually it doesn't work like that. A* was basically invented to distinguish between A grade students; the best and the very best.

On results day people in my FM class were disappointed with high A grades because they wanted A*s and some kids even stayed at home cus they knew they had no chance of an A*

A = failure ( in our class, but there is a lot of banter)

It is a bit ridiculous, but people are going to have to accept that you need to do exceptionally well to get one. Most universities aren't asking for one so for most people, there's not much point in aiming for it.

I didn't aim for it and I got one. I was just happy to get into my choice of uni - I needed BBB. I wish people would start seeing that getting a place on the course that you want is a great achievement and that they should celebrate that, not mope over the fact that they've got the top grade but there's no asterisk next to it.

The A* encourages the competitive among us to work even harder - even if it is much more than the offer given. I think this is good for some .

A lot of people this year, when they asked what my results were, and I told them (3 A*s 1 A) said "Wow, well done! ... *sympathetic voice* What was the A in?", and it's really starting to get on my nerves now, because they're saying it like an A isn't good anymore.

And when super-intelligent people I know opened their results sheets to all As, and some of their teachers said 'Nice work, but no A*s?'

A is still a really good grade, and people shouldn't be disappointed with not getting an A*. I do kind of get what the OP means, whereas before people were over the moon with getting the best possible grades if they got all As, it now has to be all A*s before anyone seems as impressed, which is a massive shame.

I swear loads of people got A* this year.

Not particularly. An A* now is essentially the equivalent of an A in the 1970s/1980s in terms of percentages, but that doesn't mean that an A now = a B then. So many factors apply to how well we do that it can never just be a straight comparison. And even if it was, just to give you an idea, you could still study at some of the top insitutions with B's. Even 10 years ago, the entry requirements for Oxbridge were AAB for a lot of subjects.



8.6% Was the quoted figure, which brings it in line in terms of percentages (if slightly lower) with an A from the 1970s/80's. It just seems like there are way more because TSR is full of brainboxes.

I hate the A*. I agree, we needed a way of differentiating the top students, but only really counting achievement in your second year is a bad idea. They were headed in the right direction with the AEA, but sadly that got scrapped rather than incorporated as a full part of the curriculum. Now it's purely a numbers game, and that's going to punish a lot of students. I would argue that most of the time, those who get A*s and those who get As are roughly as capable as each other. If that's the case, it hasn't really done its job, and needs to be re-evaluated before it really does become the new A.

only really counting achievement in your second year is a bad idea.

The links in your signature don't work.

No.

A lot of people this year, when they asked what my results were, and I told them (3 A*s 1 A) said "Wow, well done! ... *sympathetic voice* What was the A in?", and it's really starting to get on my nerves now, because they're saying it like an A isn't good anymore.

And when super-intelligent people I know opened their results sheets to all As, and some of their teachers said 'Nice work, but no A*s?'

A is still a really good grade, and people shouldn't be disappointed with not getting an A*. I do kind of get what the OP means, whereas before people were over the moon with getting the best possible grades if they got all As, it now has to be all A*s before anyone seems as impressed, which is a massive shame.

If they'd counted overall UMS, I'd have A*A*AA. As it is, I narrowly missed both the A*s... in physics I got 89.67% in the A2 modules, which is really frustrating! I got into my firm, though, so it doesn't matter that much.