Which is the 'higher' qualification : 'A' Levels or Diploma?
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Lau, I'm surprised that you thought that going through the 'A' levels was a waste of time. I benefited tremendously from two classes in particular - GP and English Literature Paper 7 - Practical Criticism. It was then that I learnt how to structure and write essays and present forth your point of view in a logical manner.
I guess skills that are not 'commercially viable and in demand' aren't upheld these days. It's all about the $$ now.
It is true that armed with the 'A' levels, you're far less in demand when it comes to employment, than those with Poly Diplomas.
I'm just wondering if there'll be a backlash from downplaying the importance of 'A' levels, especially in the purely academic fields. I guess now that the roller-coaster has been set in motion, we'll just have to wait and see how the ride goes! -
Well, the tables have turned, poly is getting popular... I think is also by how they brand themselves, see many events that are for sec sch students, all mainly held by polys, from there the students get exposed to see the what the poly does..Originally posted by Rhonda:Lau, I'm surprised that you thought that going through the 'A' levels was a waste of time. I benefited tremendously from two classes in particular - GP and English Literature Paper 7 - Practical Criticism. It was then that I learnt how to structure and write essays and present forth your point of view in a logical manner.
I guess skills that are not 'commercially viable and in demand' aren't upheld these days. It's all about the $$ now.
I'm just wondering if there'll be a backlash from downplaying the importance of 'A' levels, especially in the purely academic fields. I guess now that the roller-coaster has been set in motion, we'll just have to wait and see how the ride goes!
But I see that those who dun like language will die inside A levels, like me in Lit
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i learnt totally impractical things in my A-Levels like Further Pure Mathematics..
it was wonderful but totally useless in the real world... -
thats where impracticality beginOriginally posted by the Bear:i learnt totally impractical things in my A-Levels like Further Pure Mathematics..
it was wonderful but totally useless in the real world...
On its own, its a wonderful subject
But when applying it........ -
Originally posted by laurence82:thats where impracticality begin
On its own, its a wonderful subject
But when applying it........ -
Even the academia base their theories on the real world. I am not talking abt commercial viability of the A Levels per se. I am wondering whether those subjects and those hrs of gruelling reconcile academia with the real world.Originally posted by Rhonda:Lau, I'm surprised that you thought that going through the 'A' levels was a waste of time. I benefited tremendously from two classes in particular - GP and English Literature Paper 7 - Practical Criticism. It was then that I learnt how to structure and write essays and present forth your point of view in a logical manner.
I guess skills that are not 'commercially viable and in demand' aren't upheld these days. It's all about the $$ now.
It is true that armed with the 'A' levels, you're far less in demand when it comes to employment, than those with Poly Diplomas.
I'm just wondering if there'll be a backlash from downplaying the importance of 'A' levels, especially in the purely academic fields. I guess now that the roller-coaster has been set in motion, we'll just have to wait and see how the ride goes!
Mabbe in GP, but even that, its pretty shallow. GP forces us to cover many subjects over a period of two years. To certain extent, the focus was on writing a good piece of essays, than to make sure we fully understand the real world out there. -
I have to agree abt GP..Originally posted by laurence82:Even the academia base their theories on the real world. I am not talking abt commercial viability of the A Levels per se. I am wondering whether those subjects and those hrs of gruelling reconcile academia with the real world.
Mabbe in GP, but even that, its pretty shallow. GP forces us to cover many subjects over a period of two years. To certain extent, the focus was on writing a good piece of essays, than to make sure we fully understand the real world out there.
Though it talks abt C.A, but end up still abt essay writing... -
I, for one, hold in high esteem, people with good writing skills. So, I guess that could explain why I might attach some level of significance to GP.
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It's not always that academia does not reconcile with the real world.
Before advancements in most fields can be made, considerable research has to be done. And in order for research to be carried out properly, you need to have highly educated and skilled people who have been trained in the intellectual rigors of the subject matter.
Granted, subjects like History, 'F' Maths, Chemistry, etc might not be commercially viable, but they contribute to society in their special ways. History - the charting and documentation of our rich heritage and highlights to us lessons we can learn from the past; 'F' Maths and Advanced Physics - well, I guess rocket science, and other sciences, would need the researcher to be well-versed in the fundamental principles, etc.
We cannot afford to focus solely on courses that result in added commercial value alone. That will be to the detriment of the advancement of science, medicine, technology and others. -
Yah, but who has taught us to look @ $$??? Govt right? Now say chinese important, last time Chinese Schools, Nantah, Ngee Ann College all became english med (Ngee Ann became a poly, Nantah merged with Uni of SG)... Wonder who to listen toOriginally posted by Rhonda:It's not always that academia does not reconcile with the real world.
Before advancements in most fields can be made, considerable research has to be done. And in order for research to be carried out properly, you need to have highly educated and skilled people who have been trained in the intellectual rigors of the subject matter.
Granted, subjects like History, 'F' Maths, Chemistry, etc might not be commercially viable, but they contribute to society in their special ways. History - the charting and documentation of our rich heritage and highlights to us lessons we can learn from the past; 'F' Maths and Advanced Physics - well, I guess rocket science, and other sciences, would need the researcher to be well-versed in the fundamental principles, etc.
We cannot afford to focus solely on courses that result in added commercial value alone. That will be to the detriment of the advancement of science, medicine, technology and others. -
which ever that can get you the jobOriginally posted by Rhonda:I often get different answers when it comes to this issue.
So, imagine that you have both, and you had to fill out a form asking for your 'highest qualification' - which one would you include? -
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Diploma holders can find job in their respective field..but A level holders i think even office job also hard..
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I dont think we should compare which is 'higher' since they are quite different... but I have to agree that an A level cert is quite useless... you must go to uni if you take the A level path... else very difficult to find job... ( I was an A level student)
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I beg to differ.It is only a waste of time if your path is more towards the engineering and scientific disciplines.If you want to become an academic , teacher , policymaker/military and geopolitical intelliegence specialist or even a scriptwriter, the A levels are better off for you.Originally posted by laurence82:i was an air level stoodent, but seriously, after going thru two years of it, i think its a waste of time
the subjects they taught are not really that practical, and uni modules are fast becoming in touch with the real world
not forgetting many schools are moving away from A levels too....
Remember people, without the Arts, you would not be able to judge the difference between good science and quacks. -
To hell with the national vision of money and science all rolled into one like a poorly made Cuban cigar.When the fire is lit, let's see how many burn clean and well..Originally posted by sbst275:Yah, but who has taught us to look @ $$??? Govt right? Now say chinese important, last time Chinese Schools, Nantah, Ngee Ann College all became english med (Ngee Ann became a poly, Nantah merged with Uni of SG)... Wonder who to listen to
Reject the path thrown at you if it does not fit.I place great emphasis on studying cultural evolutuion, history and the one and only thing that must be emphasised at all costs, good writing and critical thinking.
Look at the kids these days, you'd think that our Primary days taught us tougher English than their lower Sec curriculum does these days.. -
hi there, i guess regarding this.. i must admit that poly diploma is really so called "higher" in the sense that it is a specialised certificate which proof proficiency or at least understanding in a professional subject compared to a 'A' Level.Originally posted by hmsg:of coz the diploma must come accredited like poly, those like NCC dip from Informatics I think will still be lower than that of "Air" levels ...
But, i must also DISAGREE that a NCC diploma from the Informatics Academy is lower than a 'A' level. Btw, how much do u know abt NCC Education? NCC Education is a worldwide organisation that provides education which can be recognised by lots of university as a professional certificate in diploma of a certain subject. Taking the B.A course offered in Informatics for example... After you complete your Standard Diploma, you'll be given 1 year of exemption to the University of Wales which is one of the very prestigious university in UK and to study from the 2nd year onwards. And the fact that an 'A' level student with straight AAA can only study at the year 1 of university of Wales when he/she enter the university, what does it tells?
(Before i continue, I must 1st declare that i am not a student from Informatics. It's just that i was an Educational Consultant [also not from informatics] who knows much abt Qualifications)
I am not saying that 'A' level are lower or whatsoever, but the fact is that Diplomas are slightly better than 'A' levels as they are professional and specialised subject despite that 'A' level student may have more stress over the years because of SG school system.
My personal view:
I am a Diploma holder and i HAVE taken before the Cambridge International Examinations A level in Singapore before. It is really nothing compared to the Diploma i went thru really. I also must admit that GP(A level English, CAE in International form) is really tough and it is one of the most useful thing that ppl in JC went thru.
Apart from all these, switching back to what the topic starter is asking..."So, imagine that you have both, and you had to fill out a form asking for your 'highest qualification' - which one would you include?"
I will fill in my highest Qualification as my Diploma even if i holds both the certificate becoz it is a specialised subject, but nvertheless, i will fill in my A level in my 2nd highest education to proof my ability to finish my As.
My point of view is that companies are looking for professionals regardless of whether did u really took up a course in that sector of the acquiring job... what the employor want to know, is the speciality you had. So.. no doubt its the diploma u've gotten! -
Language wise, I think, those days be it, chinese or english, it was tougherOriginally posted by LazerLordz:To hell with the national vision of money and science all rolled into one like a poorly made Cuban cigar.When the fire is lit, let's see how many burn clean and well..
Reject the path thrown at you if it does not fit.I place great emphasis on studying cultural evolutuion, history and the one and only thing that must be emphasised at all costs, good writing and critical thinking.
Look at the kids these days, you'd think that our Primary days taught us tougher English than their lower Sec curriculum does these days..
Well, I guess it is time to relook at what have we went wrong with our humans subjects. Though I hated Lit long ago -
Yes, i absolutely agree with the language that 'A' level candidates had to go thru. They're tough and is greatly needed in this societyOriginally posted by sbst275:Language wise, I think, those days be it, chinese or english, it was tougher
Well, I guess it is time to relook at what have we went wrong with our humans subjects. Though I hated Lit long ago -
last holiday i was working for a primary school
they recognize A level and not diploma
they gave me O level rate -
That's becoz u've working out for "Primary School". Basically, that's the reason.Originally posted by BufPuf:last holiday i was working for a primary school
they recognize A level and not diploma
they gave me O level rate -
i mean is in poly, u finish off a subject within one semester or about 4 monthsOriginally posted by Rhonda:Eh... since WHEN did you have to prepare for a paper in just 4 months in a Poly?
I went through both routes and the first test that is sat for in both places seemed to be about the same time.
in JC, you complete one subject, eg Design, from JC1 to JC2, and stop when u take the A levels..
like.. poly study this subject for 4 months, exam, then to next level.
JC is go on and on until A levels
still, poly takes 3 years, A levels is 2 years.. more time needed for diploma, so is higher qualification.
poly - tertiary - adult bus fare
JC - post-secondart - 45c bus fare -
Hmm... The time it takes doesn't really tells the quality of an education.... it like what i've said above...Originally posted by 105090:i mean is in poly, u finish off a subject within one semester or about 4 months
in JC, you complete one subject, eg Design, from JC1 to JC2, and stop when u take the A levels..
like.. poly study this subject for 4 months, exam, then to next level.
JC is go on and on until A levels
still, poly takes 3 years, A levels is 2 years.. more time needed for diploma, so is higher qualification.
poly - tertiary - adult bus fare
JC - post-secondart - 45c bus fare -
Well, in a sense, poly is like on non - GCE type of education. But, what is offered in poly are to to economy needs of SGOriginally posted by joeacid:Yes, i absolutely agree with the language that 'A' level candidates had to go thru. They're tough and is greatly needed in this society -
Both must co-exist.There must be a balance.