A levels a/a* discussion?!!

Original post by Student_57

There is this idea that if you study in grammar sixth forms you are more likely to get a/a*s in a levels and I think that's unfair because I believe in any student that is willing to work hard and commit to the subjects will get the top grades they deserve

What's your opinion ?

Thank you :wink:

Hi there!

I've moved your thread into here in the hope that you get some better responses/bit of a debate going. :h:

OP

Thank you !!!!!

I go to a Grammar School and love it but the kids at my local comprehensive are amazing and so intelligent too!!!! You don't have to go to a Grammar School to be smart at all

Reply 4

Someone with a lot of motivation and willing to work hard in public schools can get A*/A. The thing is that in grammar and private schools the pupils are very pushed to work hard by parents, teachers and tutors; they let them know to what getting top grades will lead.

Reply 5

LlamaLikeEllie

17

It is unfair. In my area, there are no state grammar schools that I could study at, as I'd be travelling over an hour each day. This meant you either had to pay £12,000+ per year, or go to a state comprehensive. At a grammar school, you're taught in smaller classes, and people are of the same high ability.

On the other hand, A-Levels are much more focused on independent work, which you can do regardless of what school you go to. At state schools you also have to take more control of your learning, which helps when you go to university.

Overall, as long as you work hard, I doubt it makes much difference :smile:

Reply 6

Original post by Student_57

There is this idea that if you study in grammar sixth forms you are more likely to get a/a*s in a levels and I think that's unfair because I believe in any student that is willing to work hard and commit to the subjects will get the top grades they deserve

What's your opinion ?

Thank you :wink:

I reckon it purely depends on the student.

Like anyone, if the school and the student fit well together, then there's a better chance of doing "well" (how you define that is important though :wink:

)

Grammar sixth forms tend to be more formal/academic orientated. Which can work for a lot of students. Particularly those going onto more formal/academic higher education.

For others, it's not right for them.

Reply 7

username3508100

20

I go to private school, and they care a lot about grades - borderline on too much. We're pushed to go to extra lessons, to get into a good university and overall put a lot of stress on us. The stress I was under during my GCSE year was a cause of my depression and I feel that because teachers were so fixated on good grades, they didn't take my it seriously :\ I guess because you pay for private school, they offer extra things to get you to top grades, but that doesn't mean everyone is smart. Honestly so many people at my old state school did amazing, A*s and As, much better than me. It really depends on the student, not the school. :smile:

Reply 8

Original post by 04MR17

I reckon it purely depends on the student.

Like anyone, if the school and the student fit well together, then there's a better chance of doing "well" (how you define that is important though :wink:

)

Grammar sixth forms tend to be more formal/academic orientated. Which can work for a lot of students. Particularly those going onto more formal/academic higher education.

For others, it's not right for them.

I completely agree. Personally my school was very liberal so I really liked it. Nevertheless, I think some of my friends would have benefited of more tutoring (even if they wouldn't like it).

For me, the fact that public schools do not perform very well is due to poor tutoring and they encourage less their pupils.

Reply 9

Mesopotamian…

21

I think that if someone genuinely wants to work hard and succeed then they will regardless of school background.

I went to a state sixth form (and turned down a selective school) and we had some fantastic results with people getting all A*s at A Levels and getting into top universities including Oxbridge.

Reply 10

To get back to the thread question, it definitely depends on the student motivation. A motivated student in public school has the same chance to get an A* than a motivated student in grammar/private schools. It's just that it is easier to get motivated (or demotivated) in private/grammar school.

Reply 11

Original post by PMC01234

I completely agree. Personally my school was very liberal so I really liked it. Nevertheless, I think some of my friends would have benefited of more tutoring (even if they wouldn't like it).

For me, the fact that public schools do not perform very well is due to poor tutoring and they encourage less their pupils.

"Poverty of Ambition" is the phrase that Sir Ian Hall used. :sadnod:

I should add though that there'll be a direct correlation (with exceptions) between pupil premium and poor exam results. :sadnod:

*looks for guardian article*

Reply 12

Original post by 04MR17

"Poverty of Ambition" is the phrase that Sir Ian Hall used. :sadnod:

I should add though that there'll be a direct correlation (with exceptions) between pupil premium and poor exam results. :sadnod:

*looks for guardian article*

As said in my previous answer, the chances to get an A* depend only to the student's motivation. Still it is easier to get motivated in grammar/private schools.

Although in few cases students in public schools have parents not wealthy enough to pay grammar or private schools, I think in most cases the parents don't care about their children education. You can have government help for grammar schools, some private schemes for private schools and I know someone whose parents dedicate a lot of money to their child education even if they are far from being rich. It's mostly about what are your priorities.

(edited 6 years ago)

Reply 13

Original post by PMC01234

As said in my previous answer, the chances to get an A* depend only to the student's motivation. Still it is easier to get motivated in grammar/private schools.

Although in few cases students in public schools have parents not wealthy enough to pay grammar or private schools, I think in most cases the parents don't care about their children education. You can have government help for grammar schools, some private schemes for private schools and I know someone whose parents dedicate a lot of money to their child education even if they are far from being rich. It's mostly about what are your priorities.

Even if you can just about afford the tuition, there's also the question of availability. Where I am (in a city), the nearest private school is about 10-15 miles away. That's far if your family doesn't have a car.

I think there are a lot more people who can't afford private or grammar education than you might think.

Reply 14