sorry, more

Another example of muddied waters:
From the Beeb:
"Last week, four out of 10 university admissions tutors in a group of leading universities said they would not accept students who had taken the new Diplomas which are being introduced next autumn"
Well, whoop-de-doo...admissions tutors aren't a law unto themselves, they have to follow the policy of their Universities.
More from the Beed:
"But general secretary of the University and College Union Sally Hunt said although it supported the need for transferrable qualifications, it was concerned about qualifications that are very "narrow and specific to one organisation, like McDonald's".
"Just last week, a report revealed that some universities have concerns over diplomas. We are unsure whether those institutions would be clamouring to accept people with McQualifications."
Well done Sally, missing the point and spreading disinformation at the same time.
Interesting that the Russell group statement on Diplomas is:
Commenting on the announcement on diplomas today, Dr Wendy Piatt, Director General of The Russell Group, said: "The Russell Group welcomes the diploma as a means of expanding the opportunities for potential students from a broader mix of backgrounds and educational experiences to progress to higher education. We recognise the importance of the aims of the diploma in encouraging students to apply academic learning in a practical context; in tailoring the curriculum to the needs of the student; and in attempting both to stimulate the low achiever and stretch the brightest.

"We particularly welcome the introduction of a science diploma as we are still concerned about the low proportion of students - largely from state schools - taking science A Levels.

"However, we are concerned to ensure that the diploma sufficiently equips candidates with the skills and knowledge they need to flourish on our courses. Our member universities are in the process of assessing the academic rigour and general suitability of the diploma as a route to higher education. Several have already signalled their intention to accept the Engineering Diploma, most usually in combination with a Maths 'A' level as part of the required additional specialist learning. We also look forward to be playing a key role in shaping the development of the new raft of diplomas."
So they want rigorous checks on the new quals (understandable), but this statement is far from saying 'blah blah, they're s**t, blah blah' like Sally Hunt does

Posted By: Hertz van Rental, Jan 28, 14:54:49