Abstract

The current system of allowing re-sits of individual units at A level has been subject to recent criticism that it has contributed to the lowering of the A level standard over time and leads to a focus on exams at the expense of deeper learning. However, others argue that the opportunity to re-sit is vital for those who develop through the course to demonstrate what they know.

This presentation will explore the issue with two different approaches. A quantitative analysis looks at the number of candidates choosing to re-sit units in some popular A levels and how many improved their overall grade through re-sitting. These numbers will then be put in some context by presenting the results of a survey of mathematics and psychology A level students and teachers, exploring their views and experiences of re-sits.

Speakers: Tim Gill and Dr Irenka Suto (Cambridge Assessment) Date: 19 June Time: 15.30-17.00 Venue: Hughes Hall, Mortimer Road, Cambridge