NASUWT: Standards have been maintained in A-Levels despite much upheaval
The teachers’ union NASUWT congratulates students as it warns against future upheaval to the curriculum and budget cuts.
The largest teachers union has congratulated young people for their A-Level results as they said these had been achieved despite upheaval to syllabuses and cuts to budgets.
NASUWT argued the changes have had significant impact on the staffing levels and resources available in educational facilities.
The union also branded the drop in students taking subjects such as Art & Design, Modern Languages and Sociology as “disappointing”.
Chris Keates, General Secretary of the largest teachers’ union, said: “It is clear that standards have been maintained across the board and credit for that must go to teachers who have, yet again, pulled out all the stops to ensure that young people are supported to achieve their best.
“This has been achieved despite upheaval to syllabuses and cuts to budgets in the post-16 sector, which have had a significant impact on the staffing levels and resources available in schools and colleges.
“It is disappointing to see that uptake in certain subjects has dropped, including Art & Design, Modern Languages and Sociology. The reasons for this decline must be examined carefully.
She added: “The increase in A-level students securing places in higher education is positive, although it is concerning that Government policies will lead to significant amounts of debt for young people upon completing their courses.
“For those young people choosing not to pursue university, there needs to be more focus on providing alternatives that carry equal status, such as high quality work placements and apprenticeships.
“As we celebrate the achievements of today’s students, the Government must act to ensure that future generations have the opportunity to make the fullest use of their skills and talents, by removing the barriers to achievement created by poverty and disadvantage.”
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