Today’s A-level results new exams’ first test as candidate numbers fall
TENS of thousands of students across Wales are collecting their A-level and AS-level results today in what will be the first test of Wales’ new qualification system.
For the first time the results will not be directly comparable with England’s as Wales continues to create a distinct qualification system of its own.
Students picking up their AS and A-level grades have been following different courses devised in Wales.
Numbers of candidates taking A-levels have also dropped by 6% and numbers taking AS by 7% this year compared to 2016, making it even harder to compare year-onyear results, experts said.
Students took the first reformed A-level qualifications in 14 subjects this summer, including English literature, history, Welsh (first language) and physics.
There were also nine new reformed AS qualifications including Welsh (second language), French, PE and religious studies.
AS still contributes to the A-level grade in Wales whereas in England it does not. However, for the new Welsh qualification this year the AS contributes 40% towards the overall A-level qualification compared to 50% previously.
Tim Pratt, director of the Association of School and College Leaders Cymru, said the level of changes means it could take years to identify and be sure of the accuracy of any trends.
Qualifications Wales, the body responsible for the regulation of all non-degree qualifications in Wales, said it has worked with partners around the UK to ensure all qualifications, while different, are of equal value.
Its figures show AS entry in Wales has fallen to 48,970 candidates this year compared to 52,620 in 2016. At A-level, this year’s entries stand at 35,530 compared with 37,640 in 2016 and 8% lower than in 2015.
“There is well-documented evidence from bodies like Qualifications Wales that shows a significant level of variation in results is a normal part of the process during a period of such significant change,” Mr Pratt cautioned.
“It is likely that national scores at each grade are likely to be similar to those of previous years; however, it is also to be expected that there will be significant local variation. We will need at least another two years before we are able to identify and be sure of the veracity of any trends.
“In the meantime, we should be patient and focus on what matters most: the achievements of the students. No doubt there will be more work to do on the exam system. But schools will build on these results and continue to do everything they can to help their students achieve the best possible results.”
National Union of Teachers Wales Secretary, David Evans said: “It is hard to predict results this year because of the changes.
“The important thing is that we use results as a basis to move forward – whatever those results are. We know pupils have been studying hard and our members teaching them have been working hard.
“Another important thing is to see whether these changes are the best for us in the future and what we can do to develop them. We have to constantly evolve.
“We have not had any particular feedback into the office from members expressing significant concerns or issues on the changes to AS and A levels. So, what that suggests to me is that members have got on with it and are working as hard as they can to make sure it is a success.”
Education consultant Dr Philip Dixon said the fall in the number of AS and A-level entrants is not necessarily a bad thing.
“It seems to be mirroring the dip in numbers applying for university. There are now several other choices open for able youngsters post 16, such as apprenticeships, which may account for this drop.
“Young people are a savvy bunch and I have met a number who have eschewed the A-levels and university route in favour of other options. Some are already very successful in the labour market. We need to have more data about youngsters’ destinations in the years after GCSEs, and how they progress into the world of work.”
New GCSES, AS and A-levels are being separately reformed and introduced in Wales, England and Northern Ireland
The new made-in-Wales AS, A-level and GCSE courses were introduced in 2015 with first exams for both sat this summer except for the new two paper maths GCSE which was sat by pupils for the first time last November. GCSE results are out next Thursday.
Not only do courses now differ but students in England will, from this summer, be graded from nine to one for GCSES while students in Wales will still be awarded A* to G grades at GCSE and A* to E for A level.
The Welsh Baccalaureate has also changed. This summer sees the first award of the new Welsh Baccalaureate National/Foundation at Key Stage 4 and the WB Advanced certificate as well as the second award of the post-16 WB at foundation and national levels.