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Diplomas could 'spell the end of A-Levels'
News Article Published:
Wednesday, 24 October 2007 Category:
Government policies
The traditional path followed by students prior to entering university could change under new government proposals.
Plans unveiled by the schools secretary Ed Balls would mean increasing numbers of the graduates of tomorrow would enter university without A-Levels.
Instead Mr Balls announced the government will introduce three new vocational diplomas in sciences, languages and humanities, claiming they will increase the skills base amongst young people entering the recruitment market.
Mr Balls said: "If diplomas are successfully introduced and are delivering the mix that employers and universities value, they could become the qualification of choice for young people.
"But, because GCSEs and A-Levels are long-established and valued qualifications, that should not be decided by any pre-emptive government decision, but by the demands of young people, schools and colleges," he added.
However, in a statement reacting to the plans, the Confederation of British Industry warned that before introducing the diplomas the government must first prove that the changes will improve literacy and numeracy levels amongst young people seeking careers in the future.