Rishi Sunak proposes the Advanced British Standard
"A-levels and T-levels will be folded into a new qualification for all school leavers, the prime minister has said.
The Advanced British Standard will mean 16 to 19-year-olds will study five subjects instead of three, and some English and maths to 18.
Rishi Sunak told the Conservative party conference he would "finally deliver on the promise of parity of esteem between academic and technical education".
He said it would ensure children leave school "literate and numerate".
Mr Sunak told the event, in Manchester: "We will introduce the new rigorous, knowledge-rich Advanced British Standard, which will bring together A-levels and T-levels into a new single qualification for our school leavers."
All students would sit the Advanced British Standard, he said, studying "some form of maths and English to 18, with extra help for those who struggle most".
"In our country, no child should be left behind," Mr Sunak said."
From https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-67008206
To be clear, this would only apply to students in England as education is devolved.
Thoughts?
The Advanced British Standard will mean 16 to 19-year-olds will study five subjects instead of three, and some English and maths to 18.
Rishi Sunak told the Conservative party conference he would "finally deliver on the promise of parity of esteem between academic and technical education".
He said it would ensure children leave school "literate and numerate".
Mr Sunak told the event, in Manchester: "We will introduce the new rigorous, knowledge-rich Advanced British Standard, which will bring together A-levels and T-levels into a new single qualification for our school leavers."
All students would sit the Advanced British Standard, he said, studying "some form of maths and English to 18, with extra help for those who struggle most".
"In our country, no child should be left behind," Mr Sunak said."
From https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-67008206
To be clear, this would only apply to students in England as education is devolved.
Thoughts?
(edited 1 month ago)
Scroll to see replies
Original post by Uni_student3132
"A-levels and T-levels will be folded into a new qualification for all school leavers, the prime minister has said.
The Advanced British Standard will mean 16 to 19-year-olds will study five subjects instead of three, and some English and maths to 18.
Rishi Sunak told the Conservative party conference he would "finally deliver on the promise of parity of esteem between academic and technical education".
He said it would ensure children leave school "literate and numerate".
Mr Sunak told the event, in Manchester: "We will introduce the new rigorous, knowledge-rich Advanced British Standard, which will bring together A-levels and T-levels into a new single qualification for our school leavers."
All students would sit the Advanced British Standard, he said, studying "some form of maths and English to 18, with extra help for those who struggle most".
"In our country, no child should be left behind," Mr Sunak said."
From https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-67008206
To be clear, this would only apply to students in England as education is devolved.
Thoughts?
The Advanced British Standard will mean 16 to 19-year-olds will study five subjects instead of three, and some English and maths to 18.
Rishi Sunak told the Conservative party conference he would "finally deliver on the promise of parity of esteem between academic and technical education".
He said it would ensure children leave school "literate and numerate".
Mr Sunak told the event, in Manchester: "We will introduce the new rigorous, knowledge-rich Advanced British Standard, which will bring together A-levels and T-levels into a new single qualification for our school leavers."
All students would sit the Advanced British Standard, he said, studying "some form of maths and English to 18, with extra help for those who struggle most".
"In our country, no child should be left behind," Mr Sunak said."
From https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-67008206
To be clear, this would only apply to students in England as education is devolved.
Thoughts?
Yes, I think it's horse**** like most stuff that spills out of Sunak's mouth.
Lots of stuff needs addressing with education, (teacher shortfalls, pay & conditions, physical infrastructure, HE funding policy etc etc), upending Level 3 qualifications ain't one of them. Why not just move to everyone doing IB? Similarly broad, widely accepted and wouldn't be starting from scratch.
this is so mean, students will basically be taking 5 a levels which they really dont need plus the increased stress of handling 5 subjects let alone 3.
(edited 1 month ago)
Original post by marble arch
this is so mean, students will basically be taking 5 a levels which they really dont need plus the increased stress of handling 5 subjects let alone 3.
Except they won't be the same as A-Levels. The content will almost certainly be reduced, but that will obviously have a knock-on impact on what is taught at university as the knowledge students already have will be reduced.
(edited 1 month ago)
TL;DR: seems ridiculous to me, if I'm honest. Obviously not much revealed about it yet, but here are my thoughts:
- The whole point of having both A-levels and T-levels separate is for me because T-levels are a balanced mix of practical learning and academic learning: in mixing them, students lose that practical learning, so the only option for people who dislike that academic side of things is apprenticeships, which are short in supply, and also are much more similar to actually working than T-levels, which can be hard.
- In my opinion, Mathematical and English skills are sufficiently advanced by the time you leave secondary school. Even then quite a lot is pointless: for example, skills with operators are obviously required, as is a knowledge of things like interest. For English, having good skills in writing and such is important, but quite a lot of the time this only goes so far, and is wasted on Shakespeare (while I love it) that won't really help in real life. Now I love both English and Maths, but I feel like this is very discriminatory to those who struggle with it.
- It would also dent learning time for single subjects obviously, which would be problematic for university and such. Especially if you're really interested in some subjects, it just seems pointless having more.
- Last but not least, it's just going to make Sixth Form and College an even more terrible time for a lot of students. Something many like about A-level times is that you can drop basically all of the subjects you don't like. I can't help but feel making people do things like English and Maths too could harm a lot of people's mental health.
Obviously just my opinion, but there we go
. Not that I expected much more from Sunak to be honest 
- The whole point of having both A-levels and T-levels separate is for me because T-levels are a balanced mix of practical learning and academic learning: in mixing them, students lose that practical learning, so the only option for people who dislike that academic side of things is apprenticeships, which are short in supply, and also are much more similar to actually working than T-levels, which can be hard.
- In my opinion, Mathematical and English skills are sufficiently advanced by the time you leave secondary school. Even then quite a lot is pointless: for example, skills with operators are obviously required, as is a knowledge of things like interest. For English, having good skills in writing and such is important, but quite a lot of the time this only goes so far, and is wasted on Shakespeare (while I love it) that won't really help in real life. Now I love both English and Maths, but I feel like this is very discriminatory to those who struggle with it.
- It would also dent learning time for single subjects obviously, which would be problematic for university and such. Especially if you're really interested in some subjects, it just seems pointless having more.
- Last but not least, it's just going to make Sixth Form and College an even more terrible time for a lot of students. Something many like about A-level times is that you can drop basically all of the subjects you don't like. I can't help but feel making people do things like English and Maths too could harm a lot of people's mental health.
Obviously just my opinion, but there we go
. Not that I expected much more from Sunak to be honest (edited 1 month ago)
Original post by Uni_student3132
Except they won't be the same as A-Levels. The content will almost certainly be reduced, but that will obviously have a knock-on impact on what is taught at university as the knowledge students already have will be reduced.
Yes, you either have to reduce the amount of content for the 3 other subjects, or magically find a load of teachers to deliver English and Maths.
Original post by {Moss}
- Last but not least, it's just going to make Sixth Form and College an even more terrible time for a lot of students. Something many like about A-level times is that you can drop basically all of the subjects you don't like. I can't help but feel making people do things like English and Maths too could harm a lot of people's mental health.
I agree, forcing people without interest or aptitute in those subjects is likely to lead to a lot of very unengaged lessons. Like previously when everyone was roped into doing General Studies.
My question is: where exactly do the ~20% of 16-18 year olds that do neither fit into this?
Original post by Admit-One
Yes, you either have to reduce the amount of content for the 3 other subjects, or magically find a load of teachers to deliver English and Maths.
I agree, forcing people without interest or aptitute in those subjects is likely to lead to a lot of very unengaged lessons. Like previously when everyone was roped into doing General Studies.
I agree, forcing people without interest or aptitute in those subjects is likely to lead to a lot of very unengaged lessons. Like previously when everyone was roped into doing General Studies.
Exactly, PRSOM
Original post by Uni_student3132
"A-levels and T-levels will be folded into a new qualification for all school leavers, the prime minister has said.
The Advanced British Standard will mean 16 to 19-year-olds will study five subjects instead of three, and some English and maths to 18.
Rishi Sunak told the Conservative party conference he would "finally deliver on the promise of parity of esteem between academic and technical education".
He said it would ensure children leave school "literate and numerate".
Mr Sunak told the event, in Manchester: "We will introduce the new rigorous, knowledge-rich Advanced British Standard, which will bring together A-levels and T-levels into a new single qualification for our school leavers."
All students would sit the Advanced British Standard, he said, studying "some form of maths and English to 18, with extra help for those who struggle most".
"In our country, no child should be left behind," Mr Sunak said."
From https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-67008206
To be clear, this would only apply to students in England as education is devolved.
Thoughts?
The Advanced British Standard will mean 16 to 19-year-olds will study five subjects instead of three, and some English and maths to 18.
Rishi Sunak told the Conservative party conference he would "finally deliver on the promise of parity of esteem between academic and technical education".
He said it would ensure children leave school "literate and numerate".
Mr Sunak told the event, in Manchester: "We will introduce the new rigorous, knowledge-rich Advanced British Standard, which will bring together A-levels and T-levels into a new single qualification for our school leavers."
All students would sit the Advanced British Standard, he said, studying "some form of maths and English to 18, with extra help for those who struggle most".
"In our country, no child should be left behind," Mr Sunak said."
From https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-67008206
To be clear, this would only apply to students in England as education is devolved.
Thoughts?
This is welcomed. T-levels and A-levels can be aligned. There are some students studying 4 subjects already. 5 should not be that deep.
Original post by vapordave
My question is: where exactly do the ~20% of 16-18 year olds that do neither fit into this?
What are they currently doing? One should not condemn a policy that appears reasonable.
"We know these T-Levels were our government's idea anyway, but now that our contractor friends have built all the UTCs that deliver the T-Levels and it's become apparent they're completely unfit for purpose and students have worse prospects coming out than going in, we need a new graft to get on the board of directors of their companies by handing out giant fat contracts to them"
Isn't the whole point of taking three or four A-Levels - of your own choosing - to specialise a bit, in preparation for deciding what to do at university? Taking five seems too broad.
And the whole English and maths till 18 - I can't help but feel that if you get to 16 aren't "literate and numerate", two extra years aren't going to help much!!
Just ensure the early school years, say Years 1 through to 5, are better managed!
Also, weren't T-Levels supposed to be a bit of a departure from A-Levels? So combining them just seems illogical. I hope this government is gone before they can pour further petrol onto the fire that is our education system...
Edit - Just remembered that in Year 11, my teacher was teaching us how to translate circular graphs!! (A useless skill, and wasn't on the exam spec.) I truly don't mean to be rude, but who really is coming out of school without numeracy skills?!
And the whole English and maths till 18 - I can't help but feel that if you get to 16 aren't "literate and numerate", two extra years aren't going to help much!!
Just ensure the early school years, say Years 1 through to 5, are better managed!Also, weren't T-Levels supposed to be a bit of a departure from A-Levels? So combining them just seems illogical. I hope this government is gone before they can pour further petrol onto the fire that is our education system...
Edit - Just remembered that in Year 11, my teacher was teaching us how to translate circular graphs!! (A useless skill, and wasn't on the exam spec.) I truly don't mean to be rude, but who really is coming out of school without numeracy skills?!
(edited 1 month ago)
A-levels were introduced in 1951 when less than 4% of young people entered university. They were designed to cater for a small academic élite and are long overdue for replacement. A new system of secondary education qualifications fit for the modern world is to be welcomed in principle. But much debate and careful planning will be needed if we are to avoid an educational equivalent of HS2.
When the old Higher School Certificate that preceded A-levels was replaced, one of the main justifications was to allow sixth-form pupils to study, in greater depth, subjects in which they had a natural interest and aptitude. Today's proposals would appear to reverse this. It is not entirely clear whether that is a good idea; there are arguments both ways. However, any new qualification must avoid the fiasco of predicted grades and admission to higher education must be based on qualifications that have already been achieved.
When the old Higher School Certificate that preceded A-levels was replaced, one of the main justifications was to allow sixth-form pupils to study, in greater depth, subjects in which they had a natural interest and aptitude. Today's proposals would appear to reverse this. It is not entirely clear whether that is a good idea; there are arguments both ways. However, any new qualification must avoid the fiasco of predicted grades and admission to higher education must be based on qualifications that have already been achieved.
It does not matter what he says as he will not be the PM after the next GE.
Original post by EVRoosevelt
Isn't the whole point of taking three or four A-Levels - of your own choosing - to specialise a bit, in preparation for deciding what to do at university? Taking five seems too broad.
And the whole English and maths till 18 - I can't help but feel that if you get to 16 aren't "literate and numerate", two extra years aren't going to help much!! Just ensure the early school years, say Years 1 through to 5, are better managed!
Also, weren't T-Levels supposed to be a bit of a departure from A-Levels? So combining them just seems illogical. I hope this government is gone before they can pour further petrol onto the fire that is our education system...
Edit - Just remembered that in Year 11, my teacher was teaching us how to translate circular graphs!! (A useless skill, and wasn't on the exam spec.) I truly don't mean to be rude, but who really is coming out of school without numeracy skills?!
And the whole English and maths till 18 - I can't help but feel that if you get to 16 aren't "literate and numerate", two extra years aren't going to help much!!
Just ensure the early school years, say Years 1 through to 5, are better managed!Also, weren't T-Levels supposed to be a bit of a departure from A-Levels? So combining them just seems illogical. I hope this government is gone before they can pour further petrol onto the fire that is our education system...
Edit - Just remembered that in Year 11, my teacher was teaching us how to translate circular graphs!! (A useless skill, and wasn't on the exam spec.) I truly don't mean to be rude, but who really is coming out of school without numeracy skills?!
In an ever-changing world, i have been of the opinion that forcing students to make life choices at 16 or 17 was wrong. There are many students who limited their chances by being too focused at A levels and University only to end up without jobs, then blamed the Government for not providing the jobs.
I admit that i am not an educator to understand the intricacies of different qualifications. However, i think a more diverse set of subjects should be the aim.
Original post by random_matt
It does not matter what he says as he will not be the PM after the next GE.
Time for our side (the left) to take over after 13 years in the cold.
(edited 1 month ago)
My only question is do we call the new qualifications 'Rishi Ranks!' or 'Stop The Boats!'? 
Don’t worry, the tories will be out of power before this nonsense even gets a chance to be pushed through and established.
Original post by Sorcerer of Old
Don’t worry, the tories will be out of power before this nonsense even gets a chance to be pushed through and established.
For the many, not the few.
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