THE nation's schools are becoming used to constant change, but this September has seen a big development for students staying on at school in the sixth form.

Teesdale Comprehensive School's headteacher, Paul Harrison, said: "Most of us who stayed on at school into sixth forms will remember the dilemma of choosing three subjects at A-level.

"In my day, it was traditional to choose either arts or science subjects - there was rarely any overlap.

"Recently, students have been encouraged to mix their subjects more, but the three subject specialism has remained since A-levels were introduced half a century ago.

"Scotland has for many years had a much broader system of education for older students, but the system in England has been the narrowest in Europe. Not any more."

From this September, all sixth form students have had to do a minimum of four subjects. All students will receive qualifications in those subjects at the end of their first year will choose to specialise in three subjects in their second year.

Supporters say there are two benefits. If a student leaves after one year, he or she will have some qualifications. Second, students can assess their progress after one year and make more informed decisions for the second.

The four-subject combination also means that students can mix their choices more readily.

Students following a traditional science course can add a foreign language, or students might mix the traditional subjects with a new vocational A-level.

Mr Harrison said: "At Teesdale, we spend time trying to arrange courses to meet the needs and interests of the individual.

"There is one further change that has been introduced this September. All students have to follow a course in the key skills of communication, numeracy and ICT (computer skills).

"This development has been introduced to address the complaints of some employers, in particular, that some young people may be entering the world of employment with good qualifications, but lacking the skills they need for the workplace."

So does this mean there has been a "dumbing down" of the qualifications?

"No it does not. The new A-levels will be every bit as hard as the old ones. Although there have been some adjustments to the first year AS courses, the bad news for the students is that they will have to work harder," said Mr Harrison