Cambridge rejects A-level reform plans

Cambridge dons have written to the education secretary criticizing his plan to reform A-levels in England. Sixth-formers usually take four or five AS-levels in the first year, before specialising in A2s in the second year. Michael Gove wants to return to one set of exams after two years to revive what he calls the art of deep thought. But in the letter, Cambridge admissions manager Geoff Parks says AS-levels are an invaluable indicator of progress. Modular A-levels have been criticised as easier than the traditional variety. Some said their modular nature had broken up the coherence of a course, limiting teachers' ability to ensure a thorough understanding of a subject. Announcing plans to change the system earlier this month, Mr Gove said universities had complained that A-levels were not preparing students sufficiently well and that he wanted them to be more academically rigorous. The criticism from Cambridge is the latest setback for Mr Gove, who has been under intense pressure over his decision to axe the Building Schools for the Future programme and his proposed academies legislation. In his letter, Mr Parks warns that admissions tutors in Cambridge have read with interest and a degree of anxiety the reports of your recent comments about A-level reform. He describes the AS-level as an invaluable indicator of progress that helps decide admissions when many applicants are predicted top grades. It is a central part of the university admissions process as results are obtained before offers are made, he says.The letter, sent to Mr Gove and his ministerial education colleagues and copied to Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith, says: We are worried... that if AS-level disappears, we will lose many of the gains in terms of fair admissions and widening participation that we have made in the last decade.