Comments on: Debate over value of drama as Arts Council funding is slashed and A-level is denigrated

By: Josh

Josh — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 19:16:24 +0000

All the top Tier universities are only interested in pure academic A-levels. I don’t have an A-level in business studies yet I have a lot of business sense, have set up my own little schemes and got a business related job with a Big 4 company ready for when I graduate…

By: Chris Northwood

Chris Northwood — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 17:31:18 +0000

As a York student who has a Business Studies A-level, I would defend it as not necessarily easy (I only got a C in it, compared to an A in a traditionally more difficult subject - Maths), and the skills I’ve picked up have proved very useful in the real world of having a part time job. Just because an A-level doesn’t teach academic skills doesn’t mean it should be disregarded (obviously Oxbridge are a special case because they’re generally more interested in pure academic study)

By: Nicola Jackman

Nicola Jackman — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 15:49:13 +0000

I personally agree with the disregarding for “soft” A levels. Drama, Dance, Performance Studies, Business Studies and the like have contributed to the second largest proportion of A grades awarded in 40 years. Evidence speaks for itself. Those who have achieved the higher grades in more academic subjects are worthier of places at the more prestigious universities as they are harder to achieve. Having said that, it should be encouraged that extra curricular activities are undertaken in these fields. There isn’t any point in applying to Oxbridge with such “soft” A levels as they do not promote transferable skills which could be used in the classic academic subjects, hence why they are considered unacceptable.