TWO of Bromsgrove's headteachers have voiced their hopes and fears over a proposal to replace GCSEs and A-levels with a diploma.

They spoke up following a Government working party proposal to overhaul the curriculum for pupils aged 14 to 19.

Plans include the introduction of a baccalaureate-style diploma to offer a wider breadth of study and replace GCSEs and A-levels - but Bromsgrove headteachers have mixed views on this.

Tim Taylor, of Bromsgrove School warned that the diploma could limit reasoned thinking rather than open up new horizons and feared it could lead to a general lowering of standards and also destroy aspirations.

"Too many young people, indeed human beings in general, are imprisoned by their immediate background and experiences and by their own thought," he said.

"What concerns me most is this diploma will reinforce these limitations rather than open them."

However, despite his reservations, he welcomed the ownership aspect of the scheme and believed it would give youngsters a greater sense of progression.

"It would give youngsters a feeling of place in society," he added.

"As well as being armed with the basic academic skills, information technology, literacy and numeracy-to deal with life and employment, it would also develop their life skills and experiences like community service and that is to be encouraged."

North Bromsgrove school headteacher Clive Pemberton supported the new scheme, saying: "Although this proposal is in its early stages it is definitely worth exploring.

"Anything that broadens the curriculum for 14 to 19 year-olds is a benefit as they currently have quite a narrow range of subjects to choose from.

"As with all things, however, it might take a while to become established and accepted."