18th May 2021
Following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the UK government has decided that the Summer 2021 examination series will not go ahead as planned for schools and colleges. This decision affects students studying A Level, GCSE and some Vocational Technical qualifications. Some practically based Vocational Technical Qualifications will continue to be measured through the usual assessment processes which will involve the assessment of practical skills or applied knowledge through scheduled assessments conducted in a COVID-secure way. These qualifications are typically those demonstrating occupational competency or are a licence to practice and required for progression directly into employment, Functional Skills qualifications are also included in this category. College staff will confirm to further education students the way their qualifications will be assessed this year. Specific information and guidance for students studying a higher education programme can be found here.
For students who would normally take an exam this year their grades will be calculated by lecturers, these grades are called Teacher Assessed Grades (TAGs). Where TAGs are required, tutors will inform students of the specific evidence that will be used to inform the grades that will be sent to the respective Awarding Organisation responsible for generating the final grade. A copy of this information will be made available to students, parents or guardians from the subject or personal tutor on request. Please remember that tutors are not permitted to share the final grade submitted for students as they may be subject to change by the Awarding Organisation. Students requiring reasonable adjustments, access arrangements or special consideration will be provided with these as in a normal year. The College will implement a quality assurance process to ensure TAGs are produced, standardised and moderated in line with the official requirements. TAGs will be submitted to the respective Awarding Organisation by Friday 18th June 2021. TAGs will then be reviewed and checked by the relevant Awarding Organisations and final grades will be issued. The grades will reflect performance based on the content that has been taught for the respective qualification. Results will be issued nationally on the following dates: Tuesday 10th August 2021 for A Level and Level 3 Applied General/Vocational Technical Qualifications and Thursday 12th August 2021 for GCSEs and Level 2 Vocational Technical Qualifications. The results will allow students to confidently progress to the next stage of their education or into employment.
After you have received your results, if believe an error has been made in determining your grade, you will have a right to appeal. Everyone will be working hard to make sure you are issued with the correct grades on results day but the appeals system is in place as a safety net. More information on the grounds for appeal and how the appeal process works will be available at the time results are issued.
In the meantime, it is very important for all students to fully engage with their learning and assessment. We fully encourage all students to do their very best in the final term of this academic year and we will work to support all students through the final stages of their qualifications (or first year for students on two-year courses) to achieve the best outcome. Staff will also work closely with our students this term to support progression and next steps for September 2021.
Click here to access the Ofqual Student Guide
The College will work to the guidelines set out by The Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) and the specific Awarding Organisations (AOs) responsible for each qualification being studied.
If you are unsure as to how you may be affected by these changes to exams and assessments and want further information, please contact your tutor in the first instance, or email: [email protected]