177447-agenda-summer-2014

FEATURE / JOINT SURVEY WITH NUSA LEVEL REFORMS:WHAT STUDENTS THINKEarlier this year, OCR collaborated with the NUS in a survey askingstudents what they think about the reform of A Levels coming intoeffect from 2015. Although OCR has talked extensively with teachers anduniversity academics about qualification reform, this was the first timethat we had asked students directly for their opinions.More than 1750 students took part inthe joint survey which was conductedbetween January to March this year. NUSmembership begins at 16, so the surveyincorporated the views of those currentlytaking A Levels, as well as those who hadtaken them in the recent past. In additionto specific questions about exam reform,the survey also asked wider questionsabout careers guidance and advice.The results of the survey on students’views on A Levels reveal the concernsmany students feel in the face of change.Students want to make rational choicesabout what to take at A Level and beyond.The survey was a very useful exercise forOCR. We believe that exam boards canrespond by incorporating student feedbackinto the development of new A Levels andby making sure students, as key stakeholders,are kept informed about the changes.Key themes that emerged from the findings were:● Students want to make rational wellinformedchoices about what theystudy at Level 3.● They feel that the value thathigher education (HE) places onqualifications is critical in helpingthem make decisions about what tostudy.● The main concerns they have aboutchanges as a result of the reforms arethe decoupling of the AS, the focus onexams and the lack of opportunity forsecond chances.● A perception that new A Levels will beharder and as such they are less likelyto study STEM subjects.● A real concern that those studentswho may already be disadvantagedwill be even more so by the reforms.The students who took part:27%8%31%34%● Sixth Form● Universityundergraduates● FE Colleges● Others31%69%● Female● Male25%23%52%● 16 -18● 19 -23● 24+12 OCR AGENDA Summer 2014