Students would like better careers advice and combined curriculum

“

40% of university undergraduates questioned in a survey have claimed that A-levels did not prepare them adequately for higher education.

1027 students took part in an ICM survey which also found that two-thirds [66%] wished they had been given better careers advice while at school.

Maggie Scott, Director of Learning and Quality at the Association of Colleges (AoC) commented on the findings: “This survey shows students are not confident that they were properly served by curriculum and careers advice at school, and so may cast doubt on their degree options”.

And further to the current debate running on FE News, more than half of those surveyed [58%] would like the chance to combine academic and practical courses to better prepare them for the future. Students also felt that schools directed pupils into courses that those schools excelled in, rather than fitting in with the individual learners needs [55%].

Maggie Scott added: “This survey gives voice to the silent majority who have not been well served by school careers advice”.

“AoC would like to see systematic monitoring of the new system of careers guidance (involving federations of education authorities, schools and colleges) to ensure that advice is readily available, impartial and puts the learner’s voice first”.

Other results found that 67% believe students who have practical skills such as IT or business administration tend to be more employable.

She continued: “These results also show that the curriculum has been too inflexible for many. They are therefore a welcome endorsement of both the development of the new specialist diplomas, which will allow students to mix practical and academic learning with more ease, and the extended projects which can now be taken up by A-level students”.

Vijay Pattni.

“