Leaders' surgery

Changes to A levels

Q With the proposal to decouple AS from A level does this mean that our sixth form students will have to decide whether they wish to take a subject at A level or AS before the start of Year 12?

A The proposal is that most A levels will become linear from 2015 (and the rest by 2016) and that, although there will still be AS qualifications available, these will not count as part of the A level assessment. AS qualifications will cover the same content as the first year of the A level and are therefore expected to be co-teachable with A level in Y12 (although this cannot be confirmed until we see the new specifications in September 2014).

Schools and colleges appear to have two options available (unless they can afford to offer separate A level and AS classes in Y12). In both options students would choose four subjects to study in Y12 (as generally happens now). In the first option students would need to decide at the point of entry (spring term of Y12) which three they were going to continue to full A level and which one they wished to enter at AS. In the second option students would be entered for all four subjects at AS and would then make a decision after the results come out as to which one to drop and which three to take in Y13 to full A level. Their AS results would not count towards their A level but they might be useful to them as a guide to universities or employers. They would also have a clearer idea of their level of achievement so far and it delays the decision about which one to drop.

There are pros and cons for each option and schools/colleges will need to weigh these up before making a decision that may come down to a balancing act between what is in the student’s best interest and the cost to the centre. The unknown factor so far that will also be a major influence is the attitude of universities. While it is unlikely that any university will require AS grades in this new scenario, some have already let it be known that they find AS results very helpful for selection purposes.

Tips on engaging with your MP

Q As a school leader, I have often wondered whether it is worth getting in touch with my local MP in particular, to raise my concerns on a local issue. Do you have any advice?

A Whether you have concerns about a local issue or a national policy, your local MP is often a good place to start. Your MP will be interested to know what your views are, not least because of the impact they may have on his or her constituents and they will hopefully be eager to help where they can.

Your MP can help in a number of ways, including contacting the relevant person, organisation, official or minister to raise your concerns and by raising the issue in the House of Commons. If you are not sure what they can do, ask the MP what they can do to help.

When writing to or emailing your MP, make your approach personal so that it stands out from the hundreds of standardised emails and letters that they receive daily. One of the best ways to get your point across is to ask for a face-to-face meeting. Most MPs hold regular constituency surgeries but also consider inviting them to visit your school or college or arranging an individual meeting. Make sure you prepare fully and if possible do some research on their personal/ professional background as well as their views on your area of concern and their more general views.

You may also consider using online discussions, blogging and other social media tools in order to make contact with your MP. You can also follow individual MPs, Parliament and others on Twitter, Facebook and other social media sites. If your concerns relate to local issues, also consider contacting your local councillor. You can use your local council website to find out more.

• For more information, please see ASCL’s Guidance Paper (92) on Engaging your MP and Getting Involved in the Policy Making Process: www.ascl.org.uk/engaging_your_mp

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