Contribution short abstract:

This paper is based on my largely postive experience of developing, teaching and examining A-level Anthropology. I will highlight a number of features of this experience including: the syllabus and content, the teaching methods used, the student response, and the process of examining.

Contribution long abstract:

There are various aspects of the A level experience that were very postive:

1. The development of a high quality syllabus with a fair yet comprehensive examing process.

2. Scope for developing exciting and interactive teaching methods.

3. Incredible student response both in terms of their interest and skills learned. It was an excellent preparation for university.

4. Some support from university staff and the RAI.

Issues:

1. Resourcing the A level was difficult as so little had been produced for that level. Teachers had to do a lot of work.

2. Problem of getting more schools and colleges on board quickly. Not enough resources to organise outreach work.

Conclusion:

Use the experience to look into what can be done with anthropology in pre-university education- it is worth doing!