Commenting on talks this afternoon between education
organisations, Schools Minister , Ofqual Interim Chief Regulator Dame Glenys Stacey, and
Department for Education officials, regarding plans for GCSEs and
A-levels in 2021, Julie McCulloch, Director of Policy at the
Association of School and College Leaders, said:
“We have put forward, with other education organisations, a set
of proposals designed to make next summer’s exams as fair as
possible, and we were pleased to have the opportunity to discuss
this with the Schools Minister this afternoon.
“We recognise that decisions around GCSEs and A-levels in 2021
are difficult, and it is imperative that any changes are
carefully considered. However, we are increasingly frustrated at
the ongoing lack of clarity from the government over what it
plans to do about these exams to mitigate the impact of the
ongoing disruption caused by the Covid pandemic.
“We are aware of speculation that exams may be delayed by a few
weeks to allow for more teaching time. But it is important to
understand that the benefit of doing this is marginal compared to
the disruption that has already taken place and is likely to
continue over the coming weeks and months. It doesn’t go far
enough and more will need to be done.
“The content of the exams needs to be reviewed to allow students
more choice in the questions they answer, and, most importantly,
there has to be a robust contingency plan for students who are
unable to sit exams or whose preparation is very badly affected
by the impact of Covid.
“This could take the form of staged assessment in the autumn or
spring term which could then be used as a basis for an awarded
grade for students in these circumstances. But the government
really does need to get its skates on. Schools, colleges, and
students need clarity over the path ahead, and reassurance that
the government has a grip on this issue.”
