A* boundry introduction into AS/A2 levels

[Xarea]

What do you think? Good or bad idea?

Alot of people I know aren't too happy about it, because they know if they get an A (by the skin of their teeth), to a University, it could be 100%.

[Barmi]

What do you think? Good or bad idea?

Alot of people I know aren't too happy about it, because they know if they get an A (by the skin of their teeth), to a University, it could be 100%.

Well to be honest the number of students achieving A grades was steadily increasing and another indicator was needed for the more competitive universities/courses to differentiate between those who are "good" and those who are "exceptional".

Saying that, it was a null point for a certain duo of universities because they would ask for specific UMS marks anyway... so it was clear where you stood compared to everyone else.

Any university which does not ask for specifically request individual UMS marks (for each module) will not assume that an A is 100%. In fact, your friends are kidding themselves if they think that's the case. An A is simply seen as 80% upwards... but the 90% A* splits that large boundary in half, which is a great idea.

Besides, another grade boundary is likely to drive the successful to be even more successful. If I was yet to do my A-levels, I'd relish the idea. Even now, it sounds fun and from an admissions/access POV potentially very useful.

[DieselShaq]

I think it's utterly pointless because the marks are printed on the certificates for AS and A levels anyway.

[Seany]

don't most univiersities do UCAS Points now anyway?
hmmmmmmmmmm i guess its a good idea, i'm last year not to get the chance for a* which is quite annoying tbh.

[Barmi]

don't most univiersities do UCAS Points now anyway?
hmmmmmmmmmm i guess its a good idea, i'm last year not to get the chance for a* which is quite annoying tbh.

Not the top 20 or so. You can get UCAS points from so many things... they really are not clear to the institutions.

[Seany]

Not the top 20 or so. You can get UCAS points from so many things... they really are not clear to the institutions.

Oh I see

[Soka]

I think it's utterly pointless because the marks are printed on the certificates for AS and A levels anyway.

No they're not. For results, yes the marks are printed. But for the actual certificates that you get several months after the results, the subject and grade are just printed. This is the certificate that you'll take job interviews and what not, and as proof to universities etc.

I think the idea is good personally. Firstly, you can't get an A* at AS Level in the new system anyway. You can only get it after completing the full a level. To get it you need an average of 270/300 on the 3 A2 units and 480/600 overall. Apart from maths (has to be different ) which you need 180/200 average on C3 and C4 and 480/600 overall. This is because of the choice of applied modules.. and the argument that decision is easier than statistics etc.

As Barmi said, number of A grades is increasing year on year (possiblly due to improvement on teaching, more past papers available?) although exam boards set grade boundaries to ensure a certain number of people get A's etc. so it is actually them who are increasing the number of A grades.

The new system will distinguish between the good candidates and the exceptional candidates. Because alot of people were scoring very highly on the AS units (easier than A2) and then still getting an A overall with not so good scores on the A2 units. Having the A* will show that the candidate has understood their subject well by getting 90% on their A2 units which are alot harder than AS.

Although at the minute Oxbridge, and other Universities have said it will not be changing it's offers yet, I think that in the near future top universities will use the A* grade as an indicator when there are a high number of applications per a place and something needs to be distuingished to choose the better candidate. I know at the minute that Cambridge do ask for module scores on the UCAS.. where as others don't but I am sure that more Uni's will also start asking for module scores too.

So, I personally think its a good idea.

[JackBuddy]

Not the top 20 or so. You can get UCAS points from so many things... they really are not clear to the institutions.

don't most univiersities do UCAS Points now anyway?
hmmmmmmmmmm i guess its a good idea, i'm last year not to get the chance for a* which is quite annoying tbh.

From my own and friends experiences, most go by UCAS points. (but state which subjects/ qualifications are not valid)

[Barmi]

From my own and friends experiences, most go by UCAS points. (but state which subjects/ qualifications are not valid)

It probably depends on the course as well then. :eusa_doh:

For the most competitive academic courses at the most competitive institutions, it's likely they will want specific grades as opposed to UCAS points. (For example, any of the universities I looked at to study Law required specific grades.)

On topic: I would have loved an A* A-level. Shameeeeeeeeee.

[kk.]

good and bad idea. what tohers have said for good idea is what i would say.

only problem i see with it is that those people, including myself, who have done/aer currently doing A2s, theyll appear less favourable to someone who has an A* a level, even though they could have had that A* on the CV.

i dont really think courses will change there requirements tbh, too much effort