A level results.

[Workingman]

GCSE grades are out and the increase in top grades based on teacher assessment is 25% - yes, 25%!

There is no way on Earth that these results are correct, as some of those who got grades they never expected will soon find out. They also show that Ofqual was right to be cautious with A levels, it is such a shame that it got D- for the way it went about 'levelling' things up.

It will be interesting to watch drop-out rates from A level and degree courses for the next few years. Talk about a double whammy for this year's students.

[TheOstrich]

We seem to have got into a situation where people are damned whatever they do. But it's such exceptional circumstances that I think on balance it's better to go with the teacher's higher grades, and if over the coming year the students find they're not up to higher education, then they can simply drop out - their decision.

On a positive note, there might just be some lads and lasses who embrace the chance they've been given and make something of it.

[Workingman]

Unfortunately those dropping out will find themselves fighting with this year's intake for the lower level courses they should have been on, so that's two year groups blighted.

I do agree, though, that there will be some who pick up the baton and run with it.

[Kaz]

We seem to have got into a situation where people are damned whatever they do. But it's such exceptional circumstances that I think on balance it's better to go with the teacher's higher grades, and if over the coming year the students find they're not up to higher education, then they can simply drop out - their decision.

On a positive note, there might just be some lads and lasses who embrace the chance they've been given and make something of it.

I agree 100%

[medsec222]

I entirely agree too. It is better to give someone a chance than dash their hopes.

[Workingman]

There is nothing wrong with being positive or giving people a chance so long as they are based on reality. My worry is that a large number of the 26% who were upgraded will not be able to perform to their new grades. They wil be tempted to take on things that will hurt them - financially, educationally and mentally - in the long run by aiming too high. Some of them could be setting themselves up for real failure.

My hope is that many of them will be brutally honest with themselves and go on to be best they can be at the level they are really at. Many people leave school without a raft of As and Bs at GCSE yet go out and "learn" from the world of work. They then go on to study, do their exams again, get top grades and, possibly, move on to university when they have some practical experience or more knowledge of their chosen subjects. Thankfully we live in a country which allows that to happen.

Not getting 11 grade nines (A and A* of old) at GCSE is not now the end of the world it once was.

[saundra]

There was an interesting article in the DM this week by
Janet street porter
Suggesting that student should try to get courses in,colleges to learn a trade like plumber or bricklaying electric,and
I tend to agree instead of them getting into huge debt with no hope of a career at the end of uni
Well it's a thought

[Kaz]

Vocational training would suit many youngsters, rather than trying to push them all down an academic route - so I agree Saundra

[miasmum]

I agree too we are facing a shortage of plumbers and electricians and they are really well paid trades