Dear Parent/Carer
In light of the government’s recent announcement relating to GCSE and A Level examination this summer, I wanted to get in touch and reassure you we are keeping a close eye on the situation.
We’re pleased that the government has acknowledged the challenges young people have faced over the last 10 months, and that adaptations to assessments next summer will be made. At this point in time, the adaptations from government are as follows:
- more generous grading than usual, in line with results from summer 2020, so that this year’s cohort is not disadvantaged
- students getting advance notice – at the end of January – of some topic areas covered in exams to focus revision
- exam aids – such as formula sheets – provided in some exams to cut down on the memorising required
- additional “backup” exams – to be held in July – to give students a second chance to sit a paper if they have to miss main exams or assessments due to illness or self-isolation
- a new expert group, which will monitor variation in the impact of the pandemic on students across the country.
The timeline for further information is a little vague at the moment and we hope to be able to communicate further implications of this early in the new term.
In the meantime, with exams going ahead as planned next summer, it is vitally important that students continue to work hard and to the best of their ability over the coming months. Students need to capitalise on all available learning opportunities to ensure the best possible success next summer.
We will do everything in our power to ensure that students are as fully prepared for examinations next summer as possible. To support this, there will be additional mock exams for both Year 11 and Year 13 in the new year to help build confidence in the exam setting. Furthermore, our normal intervention programme is already in full swing with additional support being provided through our Covid Catch Up Strategy.
Finally, I would like to thank you for your continued support. Both Year 11 and Year 13 have been exceptional in their approach so far this year.
Yours faithfully
Mr R Moss
Assistant Headteacher