Commenting on Ofqual’s proposed approach to vocational and
technical qualifications for summer 2020, Kevin Courtney, Joint
General Secretary of the National Education Union, said:
“The NEU welcomes Ofqual’s announcement today on the regulatory
arrangements for awarding this summer’s Vocational and Technical
Qualifications (VTQs). The VTQ landscape is complex and diverse,
with 160 Awarding Organisations (AOs) involved, and with many
different student groups. We agree with the proposed approach
which recognises the need for both flexibility and pragmatism in
these extraordinary times.
“It is right that deliverability and fairness underpin this
temporary regulatory framework whilst acknowledging the need for
qualification standards to be maintained. And it is right that
all learners will be in scope and that qualification assessment
approaches will take into account the needs of students with
protected characteristics.
“We welcome that Ofqual has set out a similar approach to the one
for GCSEs and A levels, which is that in many cases teacher
judgement will be used to calculate either part of or the whole
of the student grade, depending on the qualification type.
“Students will hopefully be reassured by the proposals for an
appeals process and an opportunity to sit exams if they wish, as
soon as is reasonably possible once schools and colleges re-open.
“It is important now that the guidance on what evidence teachers
can use and how they come to these judgements is clear and
consistent. The NEU will be working with Ofqual and the AOs to
help make that happen.”
