Date: 05 Mar 2010

Diplomas too easy, Ofqual states

Ofqual has said the government's flagship diploma courses are not challenging children.

Teachers of the government's flagship diploma courses could find themselves delivering a different curriculum following criticism of the system by examination watchdog Ofqual.

According to the independent body, the diplomas, which are aimed at potentially replacing GCSEs and A-levels, are too easy as some of the papers sat last year were not challenging enough for students.

The report stated that "in two instances, the written papers did not provide enough opportunities for more able candidates to demonstrate what they knew, understood and could do".

One design and technology examination was found to have been "relatively undemanding in its requirements", while the way marks were awarded for engineering was also found to be wanting.

Designed to combine work experience with academic theory, diploma qualifications cover subjects such as engineering, construction, IT, creative and media and society health and development.

The Campaign for Real Education recently stated that the diplomas, which are worth four GCSEs, "distort" examination results.

Posted by Caroline Eades