19th October 2011 9:00
By Blue Tutors
The exam watchdog Ofqual has criticised A Level English Literature exams in the UK. Reported on the BBC, Ofqual’s findings were that some exam questions were formulaic, and led to the papers beign less demanding. They also found that many exams focused on extracts, rather than whole texts, which means that students aren’t tested thoroughly enough.
Ofqual weren’t critical of GCSE English exams, and said that standards at that level had been maintained over time. However, A Level English Literature was found to have generally decreased in difficulty between 2005 and 2009 (the time period over which the qualifications were assessed). Formulaic questions, and not testing of entire books were criticisms of all exam boards, but AQA in particular was criticised for their syllabus in 2009. Ofqual commented that AQA had switched Captain Corelli’s Mandolin and Catch 22 for The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and Northern Lights, and that the latter two books represented less of a challenge for A Level students.
The schools minister, Nick Gibb, said that Ofqual’s findings give cause for concern, but pointed out that the standard of GCSE and A Level exams is already being addressed by the government, and that they will work with Ofqual to establish improved qualifications. The two easier texts were already due to be phased out before the report, and students beginning courses in 2011 won’t have the same opportunities to retake modules as in previous years. There will be more focus on depth of understanding, and the final exam.