Dear Parent/Carer
GCSE Results day 2020 and Centre Assessed Grades (CAGs)
I am writing to you to share with you the arrangements for GCSE results day this summer. GCSE results will be available on Thursday 23rd August 2020. Our intention is to hold the day in the normal way. With the slight easing of distancing restrictions, we are confident that we can safely invite students into school to collect their results. Results will be available in Cumberland Hall from 10am. Form tutors and teachers will be on hand to support students where needed.
In advance of results, I felt it important to communicate to you the process which all teachers and leaders at UCC went through to ensure that the Centre Assessed Grades (CAGs) and rankings we submitted to awarding organisations were both fair and, to the best of our knowledge, an accurate reflection of likely outcomes for students this summer.
Firstly and in brief, this complex process was underpinned by teachers and department heads using the wide range of data they had available to them on individual students progress over the last two years. This was then used alongside historic information to check the accuracy of CAGs. For rankings, teachers considered the relative performance of students compared to their peers, using mock examination marks and in-class assessments from both Year 10 and 11. All students were discussed individually, in every subject and their subject teacher used all the available evidence to support the ranking of each student. There were then several stages of checking and double checking prior to any data being submitted. Throughout this process, we have ensured fairness and honesty in our assessment of the grades students should have achieved this summer. We believe that the process conducted to award CAGs and rankings at UCC exemplifies best-practice.
It is very important to understand that there is no guarantee that the CAGs which were submitted by the school, will be the results that students receive. Results will be the product of a standardisation process undertaken by exam boards. This will be based on a range of factors including the starting points of students and historic grade distributions both nationally, and of the school. Prior to the publication of results on the 23rd August 2020, there is a national embargo on Centre Assessed Grades, meaning schools cannot share these with students or parents.
On a different note, I thought that, given recent press coverage, I should address the situation at Newton Rigg. Both myself and the Headteacher have been working closely with our colleagues at Newton Rigg and other local colleges to ensure we have the best, most up-to-date information to support students as and when appropriate. If you have any specific question in relation to Newton Rigg please do not hesitate to get in touch with me.
Finally, I’d just like thank you for your support and understanding throughout this challenging period of school closure. I hope this letter provides you with confidence that the school has taken a diligent and forensic approach to ensuring that our students have the best chance of getting the grades that they deserve this summer.
Yours faithfully
Mr R Moss
Assistant Headteacher