Commenting as Ofqual publishes its consultation on how exam
grades should be awarded this year, Paul Whiteman, general
secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said:
“We are pleased to finally see the publication of the
consultation on arrangements for awarding qualifications this
summer, but almost two weeks have already passed since the
announcement that exams are cancelled. Students, parents and
teachers need to know quickly what will influence their final
grades to prepare effectively and to maintain high levels of
motivation and engagement in learning.
“Our members are clear that they want to maximise learning time
and ensure the learning experience given to all students will
help them prepare for their next steps. To allow for this, final
assessments must take place as late as possible in the summer
term, in June when exams were due to take place, and over a
period of time which does not put unreasonable pressure onto
students.
“The idea of externally set assessments could be of significant
benefit. The evidence base which schools and colleges have to
assess students is much smaller than last year. The current Year
11 and Year 13 have had significant disruption across both years
of their courses and they have had a maximum of 15 weeks face to
face teaching since March 2020. But it is absolutely vital that
teachers are given the flexibility to adapt these assessments to
assess students on what they have been taught; a one size test
will not fit all.
“We are concerned about the proposed processes for appeals. The
suggestion that initial appeals are made directly to the school
or college is misguided in principle, and logistically very
problematic.
“Whatever process is finally put in place by Ofqual, it needs to
withstand the worst-case scenario that all students are not back
in school or college for face to face teaching after February
half term.”
