Science Story

02 December 2008 22:13 BST

A-levels' difficulty 'inconsistent'

Leading science groups have expressed concern at research finding that some A-levels are harder to obtain the highest grades in.

Researchers at Durham University analysed and compared data from nearly one million schoolchildren sitting GCSE and A-level exams and reviewed 28 different studies of cross-subject comparison conducted in the UK since 1970.

They found that it is easier to obtain top grades in subjects like media studies than it is when taking subjects including maths, physics and chemistry.

The findings go against a report released by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) in February this year, the Inter-Subject Comparability Study, which stated that there are "no substantial or consistent differences in standards between any subjects at any level".

Professor Michael Reiss, director of education at the Royal Society, said: "The worry is that some good students are put off taking Maths and Science A-levels because it's harder to get a good grade in them.

"Anything that discourages students from taking these subjects, which are so important for the future prosperity of the UK, is really bad news."

Daniel Sandford-Smith, head of education pre-19 at the Institute of Physics, said a system should be introduced that publishes annual data on the relative difficulty of subjects.

"The introduction of an annual report that exposes the relative difficulties of A-levels would encourage a transparent, market-led approach, helping universities to choose between the brightest candidates," he added.

"Honesty about the level of assessment in different subjects will also encourage the brightest students to tackle the more challenging subjects, in the knowledge that their achievement will be recognised and will result in the greatest rewards."