Pre-U wins official approval
The Qualification and Curriculum Authority has now officially backed the new Cambridge Pre-U qualification. With accreditation granted, teaching will begin in both independent and state schools from September this year. The Pre-U has been described by some as a return to a more traditional style of A level, designed to prepare top performing students for university. Although funded by the government in state schools only 6 are committed to introducing it this year. A further 24 private schools will also offer the Pre-U from September. There are some concerns that the disproportionate take-up by independent schools could escalate into a qualification split between private fee-paying and other schools if the trend continues. Dr Kevin Stannard, CIE director of curriculum development, indicates that another 100 schools are involved in trialling or training sessions and planning to offer Cambridge Pre-U within the next two to three years. It is generally expected that further schools from both the independent and state sector will adopt at least some elements of the Cambridge Pre-U if the introduction proves to be successful in the initial year.
The Pre-U diploma is the work of the University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE), part of Cambridge University. During the two-year Pre-U, students complete three principal subjects, as in A-levels. In some cases, students could opt to import existing A-level syllabuses. They also complete a global perspectives and research component - a course focusing on global issues - which leads to an independent research report on a topic chosen by the student. The qualification will have end-of-course exams, more essay-based questions and students will not be allowed to retake modules to improve their grades.
The deputy general secretary of the Association of School and College Lecturers, Martin Ward, is reportedly unhappy with the Pre-U introduction, stating in the Guardian recently, that yet another competing examination to go with the large number already in existence is unnecessary. He would prefer to see a simplification of the current exam system and others brought within the diploma system. The government is introducing diplomas for 14-19-year-olds from September, which it hopes will lead to A-levels and GCSEs being phased out as stand-alone subjects sometime after the next big review of exams which is scheduled for 2013.
Parents or students seeking the best performing academic A level schools may find the top 100 private schools at http://www.best-schools.co.uk/league-tables/a-level-passes.aspx and details of the first private schools to offer the Pre-U at http://www.pre-u.info
