There are good intentions behind the broadening of sixth form studies. But it is often a good idea to pilot change to check things work before rushing headlong into a new way of doing things. Independent schools, with their greater freedom from central directives, have largely ignored the Key Skills qualifications. With the universities apparently showing no interest in Key Skills qualifications, it looks as if the independent schools took the right decision. It will be awfully hard on state school students if this is reflected in the relative AS-level scores.
Key skills are important.
The broadening of the sixth form curriculum is a good idea. But, unless there is a rethink of the burden of examination in the first year sixth we are in danger of losing more in quality of education than we might gain in width. More students head for university Links to more Education stories are at the foot of the page.