This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2012/aug/16/wales-a-level-results
The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| Dip in highest A-level grades for Welsh students | Dip in highest A-level grades for Welsh students |
| (about 1 month later) | |
| The number of Welsh pupils receiving the highest A-level grades has fallen for a third year although the overall pass rate has risen slightly. The proportion of pupils who gained A* to E grades went up from 97.2% last year to 97.6% in 2012. | The number of Welsh pupils receiving the highest A-level grades has fallen for a third year although the overall pass rate has risen slightly. The proportion of pupils who gained A* to E grades went up from 97.2% last year to 97.6% in 2012. |
| There was a small dip in those students gaining the highest A and A* grades, as overall Welsh results trail behind those in England by 1.9 percentage points. | There was a small dip in those students gaining the highest A and A* grades, as overall Welsh results trail behind those in England by 1.9 percentage points. |
| The proportion of students gaining A* grades fell from 6.3% to 6% (the UK average is 7.9%). Those gaining A or A* grades also decreased from 23.9% in 2011 to 23.6% this year, the lowest rate for six years. | The proportion of students gaining A* grades fell from 6.3% to 6% (the UK average is 7.9%). Those gaining A or A* grades also decreased from 23.9% in 2011 to 23.6% this year, the lowest rate for six years. |
| Girls continued to slightly outperform boys in Wales, with an 98% overall pass rate for girls, compared with 96.9% for boys – the exception being at the highest A* grades, wGirls cohere boys edged ahead of girls (6.3% to 5.8% respectively). | Girls continued to slightly outperform boys in Wales, with an 98% overall pass rate for girls, compared with 96.9% for boys – the exception being at the highest A* grades, wGirls cohere boys edged ahead of girls (6.3% to 5.8% respectively). |
| But increased numbers succeeded in the Welsh Baccalaureate qualification, with a 20% rise in students successful in the advanced diploma, equivalent to an A grade at A-level. | But increased numbers succeeded in the Welsh Baccalaureate qualification, with a 20% rise in students successful in the advanced diploma, equivalent to an A grade at A-level. |
| In total, there were 37,150 A-level entries in Wales in 2012, 1.9% down on last year, and similar to the estimated fall in the country's population. The decrease was largely caused by a fall in the number of entries by boys. | In total, there were 37,150 A-level entries in Wales in 2012, 1.9% down on last year, and similar to the estimated fall in the country's population. The decrease was largely caused by a fall in the number of entries by boys. |
| A total of 8,259 students were awarded the Welsh Baccalaureate advanced diploma, compared with 6,948 in 2011. In all, 82.8% of those who completed the Welsh Baccalaureate course achieved the diploma, marginally lower than last year. A further 488 candidates achieved the Welsh Baccalaureate core certificate. | A total of 8,259 students were awarded the Welsh Baccalaureate advanced diploma, compared with 6,948 in 2011. In all, 82.8% of those who completed the Welsh Baccalaureate course achieved the diploma, marginally lower than last year. A further 488 candidates achieved the Welsh Baccalaureate core certificate. |
| The Welsh education minister, Leighton Andrews, said in an interview with the North Wales Daily Post: "It is positive to see further improvements being made in the A-level pass rates this year and an increasing proportion of grades being awarded at grade C or above. | The Welsh education minister, Leighton Andrews, said in an interview with the North Wales Daily Post: "It is positive to see further improvements being made in the A-level pass rates this year and an increasing proportion of grades being awarded at grade C or above. |
| "The A-level remains a highly respected qualifications across the UK which requires substantial hard work and dedication. Many congratulations to students celebrating their hard-earned success, I wish them well for their future whether that's seeking employment or going on to higher education." | "The A-level remains a highly respected qualifications across the UK which requires substantial hard work and dedication. Many congratulations to students celebrating their hard-earned success, I wish them well for their future whether that's seeking employment or going on to higher education." |
| He said it was encouraging to see the Welsh Baccalaureate continue to grow in popularity, "as more and more young people recognise the added value it offers them when applying for university or entering the workplace by developing the skills and attitudes that universities and employers demand". | He said it was encouraging to see the Welsh Baccalaureate continue to grow in popularity, "as more and more young people recognise the added value it offers them when applying for university or entering the workplace by developing the skills and attitudes that universities and employers demand". |
| Figures from Ucas show overall university applications from people in Wales this year fell by 2.9%, significantly lower than the 10% fall in applications in England. | Figures from Ucas show overall university applications from people in Wales this year fell by 2.9%, significantly lower than the 10% fall in applications in England. |
| Welsh students do not have to pay more than the previous fee of about £3,500 a year, with the shortfall being met by the Welsh government, wherever they choose to study in the UK. | Welsh students do not have to pay more than the previous fee of about £3,500 a year, with the shortfall being met by the Welsh government, wherever they choose to study in the UK. |
| Our editors' picks for the day's top news and commentary delivered to your inbox each morning. | |
| Our editors' picks for the day's top news and commentary delivered to your inbox each morning. Enter your email address to subscribe. |