Unexpected benefits of pre-university skills training for A-level students. Issue 1 (1st January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jones, H. L.; Gaskell, E. H.; Prendergast, J. R.; Bavage, A. D.
• Is Part Of: Educational studies. Volume 43:Issue 1(2017)
• Page Start: 67
• Page End: 70
• Publication Date: 2017-01-01
• Subjects: Transition -- A-level -- skills -- pre-university -- university; Education -- Periodicals; Éducation -- Périodiques; 370.5
• DOI: 10.1080/03055698.2016.1245601
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0305-5698

Abstract

Abstract: First-year undergraduates can find the transition from the prescriptive learning environment at school to one of self-directed learning at university, a considerable challenge. A Pre-university Skills Course (PSC) was developed to address this issue by preparing sixth formers for the university learning style. It was piloted with students in the year prior to A-level examinations at a selective state-funded school in East Anglia. The present paper examines the effect of the course on the students' A-level tariff. Chi-squared analysis of A-level grades of students with comparable GCSE results, indicate that students who undertook the PSC performed significantly better in their A-level results than those who did not. These data demonstrate how skills training might improve A-level performance and assist in the transition to university.