What use to employers are A-levels exams that only 2.8% fail in?

Question

What use to employers are A-levels exams that only 2.8% fail in?

Answer 1

I think the question means what use are A levels when they have go so easy that only 2.8% manage to fail them?

(not sure about the 2.8% figure- it seems a bit low to me)

My answer- not much use, but never mind- look at the figures- Aren't the government doing a good job!

/sarcasm

Answer 2

I have heard this a lot today, and I feel it is ridiculous.  Students taking the A-Level exams have been studying for them for 2 years - I would expect the overwhelming majority to pass.

Students who are not expected to do well on their A-Levels are usually directed down another path before wasting 2 years of their lives on something they will not pass.

Answer 3

Employers don't care about A-levels.

And anyway, it stands to reason the people doing the A levels are the ones that are at least reasonably bright.

A pass is also anything above a U (from E upwards)

Answer 4

The 2.8% actually doesn't mean anything because a pass is anywhere from an E to an A! The numbers aren't indicative of how well students are actually performing on a mark to mark basis. For example only about 26% actually got an A grade this year but they never tell you how many got Bs, Cs, Ds and Es as an individual percentage. It's just fluffing the numbers to suit their own agendas.

As for employers. It really depends what job you go into. Some regard A-Levels higher than others do. But put it this way, you're more likely to earn up to 10,000 more than people who don't have them (but about 10,000 pounds less than someone with a degree).

Answer 5

I agree with Sarah N

From an employers view : A level students demonstrate they have the ability to study a subject at a more complex level than GCSE, some of which involves independant learning.

If I want to employ someone then I need to have evidence that they are capable of learning the job, some of which will be on the job training.

A levels help an employer filter out unsuitable candidates.

As for more people passing. I believe that people starting A levels are aware that their future will be affected by the results and so study harder to get good grades. Couple that with improvements in classroom and teaching techniques and this is reflected in the results.

I wish people would not keep attacking the results but applaud the students as they get their results, showing acknowledgement of a job well done.

They deserve it !

Answer 6

you need to explain exactly what you are trying to find out. Your question is not clear.