An investigation into secondary school exit standards: Implications for university lecturers

This paper analyses the high school examinations sat by business studies students entering the University of Ulster, in September 2007, and assesses whether the students or the higher education teaching staff are prepared for the challenges ahead. Having looked at arguments for and against the statement that high school examinations are becoming easier, the paper then highlights the most popular subjects taken by the incoming students. Having examined the assessments used it then compares them with those used in the first year of university. Although this analysis shows that not all first year undergraduate students will struggle with the intensity of some of the higher education assessments, there is no doubt that university lecturers have to be prepared to provide greater support to the majority.