First A Level Students From New Academy In Yate Are A Success

This year saw the first A Level students to come out of the new Winterbourne International Academy. Formerly ‘The Ridings School’, The Winterbourne Academy saw 97% of their students pass their A Levels with 47% gaining A* to C grades.

This is great news for the new school and it shows that all the funding being driven into the Yate area for new schools and educational facilities is worth the money. There is one area however, that is less than great, I do not totally agree with the grading system for A Levels.

I am not about to say A Levels are getting easier, but, does anyone else think that the introduction of an A* getting beyond ridiculous?

First, it was introduced at GCSE level and now they have introduced the grading to A Level too. I am not sure what the ‘*’ achieves.  

I hope that this ludicrous ‘*’ system never makes its way to degree level. Will students be leaving university with a First ‘*’Class with honours soon?

I think the students at The Winterbourne Academy have done a sterling effort for the school’s first group of A Level students, but I believe the pass rates are increasing throughout the country due to vocational learning.

What are your views on the current A Level system? Are they easier or has the introduction of vocational courses, simply made students focus more on areas that truly shine?