By Gavin Mackintosh-
Uk schools will rank their GCSE and A-level pupils within grades under a new system of assessment drawn up for this summer, examining board Ofqual has revealed.
Ofqual has released comprehensive details of how the assessment process for thousands of Uk pupils who were abruptly forced out of school because of the hazardous coronavirus that forced widespread public closures. Under the special arrangements to ensure fair outcomes for all pupils, all schools will be required to submit their grades within six weeks, but not early than the 29th of May.
Following the closure of schools in the wake of the coronavirus, there had been confusion and worry about how pupils would be graded after it was initially announced that pupils grades will be calculated using their mock exams. It has now been finalised that schools are to use w broad range of tools in determining the final outcome for each pupil, with teachers using a range of available data and their knowledge individual pupils in determining heir grade.
British schools have been told to grade pupils based on what each pupil is most likely to have achieved if they had sat their exams this summer. Teachers will be required to use classwork, mock exams, and the school’s previous results in determining final outcomes.
Ofqual says grades should be based on several criteria on evidence of pupil performance, including progress review data and classwork performances, but must take into account any exceptional arrangements normally made for disabled pupils.
A spokesperson from Ofqual told The Eye Of Media.Com: ”There will be expectation that teachers will have internal data and they can refer to lots of information. They will be familiar with their pupils and will be expected to exercise judgement in calculating grades”.
Dissatisfied pupils will be able to appeal their result , but on different grounds than usual. ”Appeals will be made differently this year and can only be based on how the process was undertaken. Students will not be able to say a paper was not marked correctly because there are no exams.
There will have to be evidence that the process was not followed properly. Autumn exams will take place and centres may chose to enter candidates again but there is work to be done on that. There will be a consultation on that and the Secretary Of State will announce that as soon as possible.”
Paul Whiteman of the National Association Of Headteachers Union ( NAHT) said that “whilst there is not a perfect solution, this is pragmatic and the fairest approach to take in these exceptional circumstances”.
“Of course, this is not a seamless solution. Students will have been expecting to go through a very different process. However, their grades will now be determined by the professionals who know them best; professionals who are well-equipped to make these judgements, and we hope that gives students confidence that they are in safe hands.
“Where pupils are not content, appeals are possible and autumn exams are being discussed.” The school assessment process will apply to all pupils in year 11 upwards, including year 12s taking their A-levels early, but not to year 10s .“We are urgently exploring whether there are alternative options for students who need results this summer to progress and for whom a centre assessment grade is not possible,” Ofqual said today.
“It may, unfortunately, be necessary for some to take exams in the autumn or next summer to get their grades.”
Gavin Williamson, the education secretary, added: “Despite the difficult circumstances we are facing, this guidance provides assurance to students, parents and schools that grades awarded this summer will accurately reflect students’ abilities and will be as valid this year as any other.”