THE SHADOW education secretary has said he believes potential A-level reforms are a step in the wrong direction for education as he made a visit to the city.
Stephen Twigg was speaking at Worcester Sixth Form College last Thursday (September 12) as he took part in a question and answer session with politics students.
Mr Twigg was joined by Joy Squires, Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Worcester, as they were shown around the sixth form before fielding questions on a number of political debates.
“On A-levels, I think Michael Gove is getting it completely wrong,” Mr Twigg said.
“He is going in the wrong direction and we believe they should drop this.
“I have made it very clear that if he doesn’t drop it and we win in 2015 we will reverse it.”
The reform has been met with very little support among students, teachers and in universities, including only six per cent of people at Worcester Sixth Form College approving of the change.
Michael Kitcatt, college principal, said: “We were delighted to be able to welcome Stephen Twigg to Worcester Sixth Form College.
“We were pleased that he shared our concerns and those of our students about the changes planned to A Levels, which, if implemented, would see a return to examinations taking place entirely at the end of the two year course.”
Politics teacher, Matt Hall, added: “I thought the visit provided an excellent opportunity for our politics students to question a high profile politician on a range of key political issues including education.
“Mr Twigg’s answers and engagement with the students, as well as their responses made it an extremely worthwhile experience for all concerned.”
