A level results

"expected to top 97%"...

are they becomming worthless? the argument that they are easier than they used to be doesnt hold any water for me as the two can't be compared. you can't ask the same set of questions....

so am i doing todays swots a disservice by suggesting they're worthless? they've worked and studied (I shan't use the word hard) to achieve the right results and have been rewarded with a pass and the potential of earning higher salaries....

so tell me, .orgasm members, whats the dealio?....

Maybe the pass rate is higher because more of the courses are modular (than in the olden days) and if you get crappy marks on a module you can just retake it so the crappy marks never get used in these statistics.

I dunno, I'm just glad that I don't have to do them again.

I don't know. In my experience, no-one has ever asked me what I have got for A-levels, GCSE's or even my degree with regards to employment. Not that they are a waste of time - The skills that you learn whilst studying are more important than the final mark. Except to your mum. Then it's important!

The top universities expect more and more every year though. Regardless of having 4 As, they'll want a string of 'other' qualifications, work experience and skills. Kids are expected to do far too much nowadays; mostly unbeneficial time-wasting activities to 'tick boxes'. Let them go out and live their lives, then they'll grow up in to the responsible adults sadly lacking from society.

Having 3 As in worthless subjects helps no one.

Originally Posted by lukemillar

I don't know. In my experience, no-one has ever asked me what I have got for A-levels, GCSE's or even my degree with regards to employment. Not that they are a waste of time - The skills that you learn whilst studying are more important than the final mark. Except to your mum. Then it's important!

When I applied for loads of graduate jobs last year they had automated A-level and GCSE screening. Rolls Royce rejected my application as I hadn't the required A-level grade in Maths - regardless of the fact I had a first in the maths module of my Engineering Degree (from a decent Uni too I'll have you know ). It's common practice for these companies, as they need to reduce the number of applications somehow. I myself applied for over 60 jobs, as that's just expected.

I'd say A-levels have never been more crucial.

Originally Posted by gettin2dizzy

Having 3 As in worthless subjects helps no one.

Thing is most of those worhtless A's go on to become worthless degrees in yak hair plattinf or something.

The news was saying less and less peeps are taking science at Aleval and degree . I would imagine its the same for other dificult subjects. As Students take the asy options of media studies etc.

I think in recent times degrees have become worh less than of old. Its become the next step so to speak, GCSE then A level then Deg.

I remember when i done my A level ecconomics our teacher gace us a past paper from 87, ( i sat A levels in 97) and the questions were nails in comparison to our practice papers frm the previous couple of years.

I do believe exams have got eaiser, people dont just kep on getting cleverer year on year!!

Originally Posted by gettin2dizzy

When I applied for loads of graduate jobs last year they had automated A-level and GCSE screening. Rolls Royce rejected my application as I hadn't the required A-level grade in Maths - regardless of the fact I had a first in the maths module of my Engineering Degree (from a decent Uni too I'll have you know ). It's common practice for these companies, as they need to reduce the number of applications somehow. I myself applied for over 60 jobs, as that's just expected.

I'd say A-levels have never been more crucial.

Would you say now the way to stand out from the crowd in after degree employment is to have a Masters?? My mate reckoned that was the case to get the goos accountancy jobs.

All the post grad jobs he looked at were paying a pittance (arround 20K)

[timwilky]

It is not just A levels that are dumbed down. GCSE is no comparison to the O level. Many degrees are worthless and even the "traditional" ones have again been dumbed down.

I have my own thoughts on why this is the case. Most faults lie at the door of government using a continuing education system to remove a generation from the unemployed register. Therefore they look good. More educated workforce, less unemployed, but qualified to do nothing.

I feel sorry for the young who are forced into this system. They don't tell the 16 yr old wanting to do A levels in sports science and tourism that they are going to end up on reception and toilet cleaning at the local sports centre.

Originally Posted by neio79

Would you say now the way to stand out from the crowd in after degree employment is to have a Masters?? My mate reckoned that was the case to get the goos accountancy jobs.

Nah, relevant work experience counts for much more than a silly M instaead of B. However, having a masters can be helpful in other ways e.g. getting chartered status.

Originally Posted by neio79

All the post grad jobs he looked at were paying a pittance (arround 20K)

That sounds normal/reasonable. Prob wouldn't be on that amount for long though. Would be v short-sighted to choose your career/job on initial salary, it's the progression and prospects that really matter.

Originally Posted by neio79

Thing is most of those worhtless A's go on to become worthless degrees in yak hair plattinf or something.

The news was saying less and less peeps are taking science at Aleval and degree . I would imagine its the same for other dificult subjects. As Students take the asy options of media studies etc.

yak hair platting lol! Bet that's damn useful in certain countries

A-Levels are getting beyond a joke. Some of the subjects students have the option of taking could be learnt in a month, let alone 2 years

I fluffed mine up big style (mainly because I spent far too much time actually travelling to school than studying ) and I thought I'd thrown away most chances of studying for a half decent degree. And yet despite my grades being rubbish I got a place without having to go through that Clearing business. I think the fact that I had attempted Biology, Physics, Maths and Chemistry (Physics dropped at AS) was enough and they were passes after all. And maybe they want more people doing BSc's #shrug#

Then again it might just have been my personal statement that swayed them, reckon I must be able to sell mesen pretty well