Debates between Emily Thornberry and Elizabeth Truss during the 2010-2015 Parliament

Wed 23rd Jan 2013

A-level Reform

Debate between Emily Thornberry and Elizabeth Truss
Wednesday 23rd January 2013

(11 years, 11 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Elizabeth Truss Portrait Elizabeth Truss
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By linking A-levels more closely to universities, their entrance requirements and the skills and knowledge they possess, we will see a better control on standards.

Emily Thornberry Portrait Emily Thornberry (Islington South and Finsbury) (Lab)
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Many parents will have got the message that the Secretary of State is largely against assessments and in favour of exams. They may therefore be a little confused about the abolition of AS-levels, and will have to get over that. I was interested to note that in her statement, the Minister accepted that it was important for students to learn more, including about extended writing and research skills, which she saw as important for A-levels. Does the Minister expect there to be more assessments during those two years?

Elizabeth Truss Portrait Elizabeth Truss
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No, I do not expect that. We are talking about the extended project qualification, going alongside A-levels, but the point about A-levels is that there will be a terminal exam.