Education Letter: A-levels fail the test

Your Views

YOUR LEADING article on A-level reform is misleading. Presumably, the "private school in Sevenoaks, Kent" is not some reactionary Home Counties bastion of educational conservatism, but Sevenoaks School, for many years a distinguished pioneer in the introduction of the International Baccalaureate to this country.

Withdrawal from the A-level system in this case is surely not, as you imply, a nostalgic attachment to the old A-level tradition. As one who has examined for the IB for several years, I should take it rather to be a wise decision to opt for an established examination which is flexible, wide-ranging and internationally recognised. It will have the further advantage that it will not be interrupted after two terms by an additional set of examinations as will the proposed AS/A level courses.

I would agree that the present arrangements for university entrance need to be reformed but I cannot see that the new examinations will be helpful. If, as you suggest, firm offers of university places are to be made on the basis of AS grades, I predict a substantial loss of motivation for many pupils to tackle the final gruelling year of A-level work. It is a great pity that an examination on the lines of the International Baccalaureate has not replaced the A-level and that we have lost an opportunity to bring this country's education system into line with those of other European countries.

JENNY BANKS BRYER

Birmingham