A-level in leisure studies to be scrapped
Anthropology, citizenship studies, home economics, pure mathematics, performing arts and science in society will also be dropped by 2017
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Leisure studies is to be scrapped as an A-level subject – but the sometimes ridiculed media studies will remain.
The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) said a number of changes would be made to the list of A-levels and GCSEs by 2017.
Among other A-levels to be dropped are anthropology, citizenship studies, home economics, pure mathematics, performing arts and science in society.
In a statement, Ofqual’s chief regulator, Glenys Stacey, said: “We are today confirming the principles against which we will determine those GCSE and AS and A Level subjects that may be offered for first teaching from 2017.
“We have considered which subjects have the potential to meet our principles, including the need to ensure that all reformed subjects are of an appropriate level of academic demand.
“It is now for the Department for Education to consider whether content can be developed for those subjects that we think could meet our principles and, in turn, for exam boards to decide whether to submit specifications to us for accreditation. Importantly, we are not ruling out the future development of any subject.”
While it has been criticised as a subject, media studies has remained popular with pupils. Some 26,000 sat the A-level exam in 2013, while fewer than 1,000 students took leisure studies.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments