subject: A-level Retakes - Britain's Gender Gap [print this page] It seems that there has always been a difference in the academic abilities between the genders - whether it's in SATs, GCSEs or A levels. Though some may believe that this is just media hype, a study by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) can officially conclude that the difference in results between boys and girls is larger in Britain than in any other developed country. With so much discussion surrounding the issue over which sex will perform better come exam season, the question always seems to be whether it will be the boys or the girls that end up retaking more of their A levels.
It turns out that schoolboys are better than schoolgirls at science subjects, according to surveys carried out on 20 million 15-year olds in 57 countries. The boys did better than the girls by an average of 10 points, and such findings only serve to reinforce old stereotypes that men are more suited to scientific subjects than women.
In 2008, the Telegraph published an article that highlighted that science was 'one grade harder' than other subjects such as drama, sociology and art. With the option of A-level retakes and extended education, could male pupils overtake the girls in the results race?
Avoid Clearing with Retakes
Regardless of gender, many media bodies have agreed that retaking exams, especially A levels, is the only way to make sure you can keep up and secure your place at university. The clearing system is used for those who have not made the grade but still wish to try and secure a place at university, and this is a successful process for over 30,000 students every year.
If you've achieved the grades that you need and have applied to your choices of university, then you shouldn't have to worry about going through the clearing process. However, if you haven't quite made the grade, it's always an option to retake some A levels to make sure you can get a place on your chosen course.
In 2008, teenagers achieved record results with a national pass rate soaring above 97 per cent for the very first time. The number of pupils awarded with A grades also rose significantly, so if you want to beat the competition and get an offer from your dream university then A-level retakes is your answer.
