Until you get to Degree level (when you really have to show a strong degree of specialist knowledge and/or ability), qualifications are a waste of time for the most part. The best are not necessarily the best at exams, or the best at coursework, and will be let down by that, and that's before you consider the constant changes and double standards in existance.
To give an example I only had a B for GCSE Maths, yet if not for coursework (which should never have existed in my opinion in Maths) I would have had an A*. On the other hand, my brother managed an A because of the Coursework lifting him. My school were not exactly keen on me (alluded to elsewhere), whereas there was never any prejudice against him. And even more to the point is that the required standard for an A jumped from just 55% in his year - and 50% the year afterwards! - to 80% in my year (which was stronger as a whole). So based on all of this, who is the better at maths? Without meaning to sound too big-headed, the answer is me, and by several country miles.
So qualifications are pointless. And those who are dependant on them to "promote" themselves and "belittle" others - like my brother - need to have a good look at themselves and stop relying on them. I would like to think that he has learned that now...
For the record, I come from an extremely poor family, to the point that I would probably be considered poor even if I lived in Brixton. I get no financial support from my parents at all, and am having to apply for help from my Uni (I'm submitting my form tomorrow) - for the third time in barely one year.
