Engineering will no longer be offered as an Applied A level in England. Examination board Pearson, which currently offers the vocational learning course, says it will stop doing so next September.
A spokesman said: “We have reviewed our GCSE and A level provision based on discussions with the regulator, Ofqual, and the reformed qualifications we are able to offer.
“We absolutely recognise the importance of this subject and are committed to continuing to offer routes into the industry via both academic and vocational routes, through our updated A levels in Physics and Design & Technology and our BTEC Engineering courses.”
News of the demise of the Applied A level follows a decision earlier this year by the Department for Education not to take forward a proposal to introduce new GCSE and A Level curriculums in engineering following a consultation.
CIHT’s Director of Education and Membership Sue Stevens said: “We are disappointed that the proposal to introduce new GCSE and A level qualifications in engineering were not taken forward by the DfE and to hear that Pearson is to withdraw its Applied A level in the subject.
“The increase in the number of engineering apprentices is encouraging but, with the current skills shortage, we also need teaching provision in schools that reflects the multi-faceted nature of engineering and captures the imaginations of young people.”
Birmingham University professor Felix Schmid said that abandoning A-levels and AS levels in engineering may be perceived as a retrograde step by many since it reduces the options for students wishing to embark on a career in engineering.
But he added: “It could also be viewed as a sensible decision since a strong foundation in mathematics, physics and chemistry may well provide a better pathway to studies in engineering – whether at university or in advanced apprenticeship – than a very general overview of engineering.”
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