The Student Room Group
I doesn't feel that easy, trying to get AAA, I have to say.
Do people think that 3.4% is a lot of people? Did the article say how many people get 4 or 5 As? I suppose I should stop being lazy and look it up.
Reply 3
Jools
I can't find the article, but I think the figures are actually talking about the entire population of 18yr olds, not just students. It was trying to show there's no point in introducing A* grades when so few are getting straight As - so it's actually around 6-7% of students getting AAA+. In 2002, 22,000+ got AAA or better (DfES).


:hello:
How's your diss going?
Reply 4
thanks jools

although the figures are not as bad as i thought they might be - 22,000 is alot but as a proportion of the whole student population its not as shockingly common as one might think it be
Reply 5
Don't forget that only 45% or so under 21's do A levels so the actual proportion of under 21s achieving those grades is even lower. AAA is still a massive acheivement.
Reply 6
It is but it is still too much.I got AAA at A-level (and another 2A's at AS level), and yet got six rejections from university.I know of many a person in a smiliar boat, and feel that more differentiation is needed at the top.For llaw nearly everyone has predicted 3 A's, and I honestly don't think references personal statements etc differ that greatly.
Reply 7
imogen86
It is but it is still too much.I got AAA at A-level (and another 2A's at AS level), and yet got six rejections from university.I know of many a person in a smiliar boat, and feel that more differentiation is needed at the top.For llaw nearly everyone has predicted 3 A's, and I honestly don't think references personal statements etc differ that greatly.


The problem is a whole the system works very well and I believe they should keep it, for subjects such as law there clearly needs to be more differentiation, starting by scrapping UCAS points and just using the actual subjects and grades.

You just have to try and be inovative, but I guess too many people are and that is what is causing the problem.

At the other end of the scales there is too much differentation.
Reply 8
3.4% is really low! The way the media go on about it, you'd think about 99% of people get those grades :rolleyes:
Reply 9
That statistic in itself is not very helpful, as the difficulty of various A-levels varies quite a lot. However, it is still too high - remember, this is 25,000 odd students doing the best possible in our current education system. They have taken the hardest test we've got and succeeded. And yet, the majority will probably still not end up at their first choice university, because there is too much competition. There shoud only be around 3000-5000 top achievers in my opinion, if only to give those very deserving few a higher probability of achieving whatever they want.
Reply 10
Alewhey
That statistic in itself is not very helpful, as the difficulty of various A-levels varies quite a lot. However, it is still too high - remember, this is 25,000 odd students doing the best possible in our current education system. They have taken the hardest test we've got and succeeded. And yet, the majority will probably still not end up at their first choice university, because there is too much competition. There shoud only be around 3000-5000 top achievers in my opinion, if only to give those very deserving few a higher probability of achieving whatever they want.


I see what you are saying, perhaps more offers based on 4 A levels or AEAs...
Reply 11
Jools
Elloo :biggrin: Finished diss back in January! It's here
. Currently finishing off some more coursework (deadline Friday), then final exams in 4 weeks :eek: how r u?

Wow - very impressive! I always liked your title, it's a good read :biggrin:
I'm very well thank you! Looking forward to leaving school really, but scared about uni too! And yourself? :smile:
jumpunderaboat
I see what you are saying, perhaps more offers based on 4 A levels or AEAs...


Ah, but what about students in non-selective state schools who are not offereed AEAs or even the option of taking 4 A levels?

The figure is high, but few people seem willing to question whether this is merely a reflection of the higher quality of candidates in the system. All it means is that selection has to be made based on a combination of factors; exam results, PS, references, entrance exams, interviews etc - which is surely the fairest, most sensible approach?
Reply 13
WelshPixie
Ah, but what about students in non-selective state schools who are not offereed AEAs or even the option of taking 4 A levels??


My school doesnt offer 4A2s or AEA and it's a private school! My previous school (where I did Year12) I was the only one taking 4AS!!! (also private :s-smilie:)
Therefore, not all schools offer 4A2s and the subjects that you can take can clash with each other or may not be offered!!! So I agree with your statement... and disagree with the one basing offers on AEA as not all school are offering it so the student would be in disadvantage due to his/her education institution!
Reply 14
WelshPixie
Ah, but what about students in non-selective state schools who are not offereed AEAs or even the option of taking 4 A levels?

The figure is high, but few people seem willing to question whether this is merely a reflection of the higher quality of candidates in the system. All it means is that selection has to be made based on a combination of factors; exam results, PS, references, entrance exams, interviews etc - which is surely the fairest, most sensible approach?


I'm in a non selective state college and although AEAs are few and far between some people take them if they show a real aptitude to the subject, regarding 4 A levels they don't really let you but with a small amount of persuasion it's fine.
Plus one can always take exams externally if they really want to.

I agree with the second part of your post though.
Reply 15
kitsune
My school doesnt offer 4A2s or AEA and it's a private school! My previous school (where I did Year12) I was the only one taking 4AS!!! (also private :s-smilie:)
Therefore, not all schools offer 4A2s and the subjects that you can take can clash with each other or may not be offered!!! So I agree with your statement... and disagree with the one basing offers on AEA as not all school are offering it so the student would be in disadvantage due to his/her education institution!


Obviously if such awards were to be used in offers then schools and colleges would have to adapt such rules, wouldn't be to difficult though.
Reply 16
more entrance tests would hurt either- surely?


Did anyone find out the % or pupils that get 5 or 6 A grades?

cheers