Trendonomics

When I taught in higher education 20 years ago there was already the watering down of rigour in A-level subjects. New, trendy subjects were added with less conceptual content, - knitting, catering, golf course maintenance, fishing, - at least one of these is actually now available as a degree course. We saw it in the trendy A level subjects becoming available, and we saw it in new degree subjects - we called them all "trendonomics".

According to the Daily Mail yesterday, universities are beginning to say, "Enough!" They are warning students that they run the risk of rejection if they take too many of the "soft" subjects. One in ten "A" level exams sat is in a subject which the top universities regard as an inadequate preparation for a egree course.

Schools wishing to increase the numbers going to university, and students concerned that they are not among the brightest or are unwilling to work hard, means that progressively more students are pushed towards these soft subjects.

The sixteen subjects seen to be the least valuable in terms of preparation for top university courses are:
Accounting and Finance
Art and Design
Business Studies
Communication Studies
Design and Technology
Drama
Media/Film/Television Studies
Health and Social care
Home Economics
ICT
Law
Leisure and Recreation
Performing Arts
Physical Education
Travel and Tourism
General Studies

Some are included on the list because they have a breadth rather than a depth of study, while some have some, but not enough, academic content.

Many people are concerned at the dumbing down of education at all levels, and at achievement which means that internationally we do not compare well. The dumbing down at "A" level in some cases has led to a devaluation of degree education, which puts our graduates at a disadvantage in international labour markets.

In part the cause could well be the Government's aim to send 50% of all school leavers to university. This may be laudable, but 50% are not capable of studying on traditional degree courses. The fallacy is to assume that all should achieve the same. Students are being short-changed. Many of them would be better served by studying at a slightly lower level and with vocational emphasis, - the old HNC, -part time, and HND - full time recognised this.