A recent public consultation has revealed a lack of support for significant changes to A-Levels in Northern Ireland, specifically the proposal to scrap AS-Levels. The Department of Education's (DE) plan, which aimed to transform A-Levels into a two-year linear course without AS exams, faced strong opposition. The consultation attracted a diverse range of participants, including students, teachers, and parents, with almost two-thirds disagreeing with the DE's proposal. This response highlights a complex issue, as the DE acknowledges the need to carefully consider the proposal before making a final decision on the qualifications policy framework.
The DE's plan, which would have removed AS-Levels and reduced the number of topics studied at GCSE and A-Level, was met with concern. Education Minister Paul Givan cited over-testing as a reason for the proposed changes. However, students and teachers expressed a preference for modular courses, where exams are taken during the course, as a way to reduce pressure and stress. The consultation also revealed a majority opposing the idea of linear courses with exams only at the end of Year 12, and a clear preference for retaining GCSEs and A-Levels while streamlining content and assessment.
The DE's decision to abandon the 9-1 GCSE grading system, deemed broadly unpopular, further underscores the complexity of the issue. While some proposals gained support, such as limiting most GCSE and A-Level subjects to a maximum of two exams, the DE must carefully navigate the diverse opinions to ensure high-quality qualifications that meet the needs of students and teachers in a rapidly changing technological landscape.
