Letter: League tables distort exam results
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: Unlike driving tests, which are set to establish an absolute level of competency, I believe that A-level examinations should be a measure of a candidate's ability relative to his or her peers. After all, candidates are competing with their peers for educational and employment opportunities.
The current A-level grading system in England and Wales appears to measure absolute ability against a fixed performance benchmark. Unless this is changed, improving educational standards driven by increasing competition will inevitably lead to higher and higher pass rates. Differentiating candidates' performance will thus become increasingly difficult, devaluing the qualifications themselves. The same proportion of pupils sitting an A-level examination should be awarded each grade regardless of whether educational standards are rising or falling.
SIMON HARRISON
Edinburgh
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments