Official: Exams in ‘soft’ subjects really are easier
SCHOOL pupils studying rigorous subjects like foreign languages and maths at GCSE and A-level are being unfairly marked down with lower exam grades than those taking ‘softer’ subjects, the exams regulator has admitted.
Ofqual is now discussing a complete overhaul of the exam grading system to ensure pupils taking ‘tough’ academic subjects are not losing out when they start applying to university.
For the first time, the regulator’s chiefs have conceded that it is harder to get top grades in maths, science and modern foreign languages than it is in socalled ‘soft’ subjects like art.
The admission comes after a recent study suggested some schools have been pushing pupils to take easier subjects in order to boost their league table ranking. Research by the exam regulator found that grades achieved in different subjects are not necessarily comparable and that standards between them vary.
The hardest subjects at A-level, such as science, technology, maths, further maths, modern foreign languages and Latin, are nearly two grades tougher than the easiest, listed as media studies, communication studies, film studies, graphics, photography, and textiles. At GCSE the hardest subjects – modern foreign languages, Latin and statistics, are about half a grade harder than the average. The easiest subjects, including physical education and child development, are about half a grade easier.
Teachers, academics and organisations such as the Institute of Physics have raised con- cerns about differing levels of difficulty in exams. They are worried that pupils are avoiding harder disciplines, or being directed to soft subjects by schools, and choosing the easier option in the hope of better exam results.
The findings have far-reaching implications for universities, which may have been rejecting those studying harder subjects simply on the basis of lower grades. Ofqual found that if the same standards were applied to all GCSEs, there would be an 11 per cent rise in A grades for further maths and a 9 per cent rise in A grades for German. Researchers also found that sixth formers with a grade A in graphics A-level had the same level of ability as those who got a C in physics.
Ofqual has launched a consultation about what steps to take to ‘realign’ subjects. A working
University rules could change
paper identifies a series of policy options, from sticking with the status quo to finding a method of standardising grades to get rid of differences in subject demand.
Alternatively, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) tariff could be adjusted to give those studying harder subjects more points for the same grades than those taking easier subjects. The exam regulator will hold a conference next month to discuss the issue.