Press Release

Today's focus should be on young people's success

Thursday, August 14 2008

The attention today should be focused on the hopes and dreams of young people, rather than churlish and dismissive views about whether A levels are getting easier or vie with other qualifications, said Dr Mary Bousted, general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL).

Dr Bousted added: "The debate about qualifications is one worth having, but not today. Young people's qualifications should not be used as political footballs to be booted into touch when it suits an older, more cynical generation.

"ATL is not siding with those who praise hitting targets for the sake of it, regardless of whether young people have learnt anything relevant for their future lives.

"Our education system is focused on targets, rather than individuals. But we need a system that focuses on what’s best for young people and will give praise when praise is due – and with record results of 97.2% A Level passes (A-E), praise is due today.

"However, we should also focus on helping those whose results were not what they wanted and provide them with advice, guidance and support. Education is not just about one day, it is a lifetime’s work."