ABSTRACT
The publication of Sir Ron Dearing's Report on 16–19 qualifications represents yet another chapter in the history of attempts to reform A-levels. This time we have a new twist: Dearing proposes a broad-based Advanced Diploma based on A-levels, but leaves A-levels themselves unchanged. The proposal is a welcome recognition that a broader curriculum can enhance a student's specialist studies. However, as this chapter will argue, by leaving A-levels themselves unchanged, this proposal can only be a very small step towards an advanced level curriculum of the future.
