tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001867295510218749.post5403159127112334314..comments2024-03-20T16:05:23.293+00:00Comments on The Cynical Tendency: Hair Today Gone TomorrowDemetriushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17198549581667363991noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001867295510218749.post-76092377851285645122014-01-03T17:37:14.173+00:002014-01-03T17:37:14.173+00:00I don't know how it is now, but 30 years ago, ...I don't know how it is now, but 30 years ago, if you passed the competitive entrance exam and interview, most colleges asked for only two Cs at A-level (or the equivalent in Scottish Highers) to satisfy the matriculation requirements.<br /><br />The exam, though much maligned, gave candidates from schools with a poor academic record a chance to demonstrate their knowledge and reasoning ability directly to university staff - a far fairer method than today's personal statements, which may or may not be pupils' unaided work. <br /><br />Although the private sector entrenched their advantage by allowing pupils to stay on post-A level (while pupils at other establishments had to take it a year earlier), the exam was a highly effective tool of social mobility. Sadly, that particular baby was thrown out with the bathwater in the process of reform.<br /><br />As for the pictures, the resemblance to the ancient chap may be striking, but surely Harry's beard is just too Plantagenet for words!Macheathhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04451439759398780345noreply@blogger.com