Write a commentStormont Education Minister Peter Weir has outlined the process for students completing GCSE and A level qualifications in 2020 with grades being calculated based on information provided by schools and colleges. Examinations have been cancelled for 2020 due to the Coronavirus threat.
Calculated grades will be issued for those completing their A level, A/S level and GCSE qualifications based on a combination of information provided by schools and colleges and statistical information.
A/S level grades will count as a stand-alone qualification; they will not contribute to a final A level grade in 2021.
Grades will be awarded for GCSEs due to complete in 2020 (mostly year 12s) but not for GCSE units where GCSEs are due to complete in 2021 (mostly year 11s). In the latter case, pupils will have the option to take any outstanding units in 2021 and have missing components calculated using statistical modelling and/or to sit all units in 2021 and be awarded the higher grade from either option.
Speaking in the Assembly on Thursday past, Peter Weir said: “In March, I announced that, in line with other jurisdictions of the UK, GCSE, AS and A level exams would not proceed in Northern Ireland in summer 2020.
“My priority is to ensure that pupils receive fair results that reflect their hard work and enable judgements to be made about their future progression to study or employment or other avenues.
“CCEA, the local examinations body, together with officials from my departments and others in the education sector have been working tirelessly to develop an alternative process.
“This is a very complex process and there is still more work to be completed, however, it is vital that pupils and their families receive some clarity on this issue.”
Commenting on the decision the Minister said “Today, I have set out how qualifications will be awarded for GCSE and A level pupils. This will involve teachers using their professional judgement together with an extensive range of evidence held by schools, and statistical modelling. There will also be a process for standardising outcomes across school and other examination centres.
“The development of an appropriate appeals mechanism is also under consideration as well as arrangements for private candidates. Whilst there will not be an opportunity for pupils to take re-sits in the autumn, they can, of course, choose to re-sit in the summer of 2021. I will also seek to align the issuing of results with England and Wales (ie A level results on 13 August and GCSEs on 20 August), this ensuring that local candidates are not put at a disadvantage.”
Officials are also working closely with colleagues in the Department for the Economy on arrangements for vocational qualifications. Details will be announced by the Economy Minister as soon as that work has been completed.
Easing Concerns
Newry and Armagh MLA Cathal Boylan said the announcement will ease the concerns of some students and families but that further clarity is still needed.
“There is no perfect solution to the issue of exams which arises from the unprecedented public health crisis and the necessary decision to close schools as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.
“Today’s announcement by the Education Minister will address some of the concerns and confusion of students and parents, but we still need further clarity.
“Given the circumstances, it’s expected there will be a high number of students who may wish to appeal the results they receive. This process must be robust and independent."
Mr Boylan also spoke on cross border studying arrangements saying ”Sinn Féin has also called on the Minister to ramp up cross-border cooperation with Departments in the south to support students entering the admissions process for cross-border study."
