Confused by Graphic Communications A level Grade, advice please

[LimitIsUp]

So dd got a C in her Graphics A Level. We are a bit mystified since in her assessed coursework (completed Feb 2020) which would have constituted 60% of the final grade, she achieved 95/120 which is a comfortable B grade

It therefore seems counterintuitive to assume that in the remaining 40% of her A level (what would have been the summer exam which didn't happen) she would have slipped back to a C!

We will appeal. Any tips please?

Btw that coursework mark was 79!

Did she do any mock exams?

You can ask the centre what they predicted her (her CAG) and whether they intend to appeal the results.

Coursework was considered for the CAG (the grades teachers gave) but not specifically considered by the statistical process which determined the grade she received this morning.

Speak to school to find out about the appeal process. Did she sit a graphic design mock? What grade did she receive?

They don't do a Graphic Design mock - just the coursework (60%) and then straight to exam

I mean the coursework should be 60% of final grade

My dd took that subject for A level 2 years ago. They did do a full mock exam after they had done their coursework. The coursework was completed at the end of January and they did the mock exams just after February half-term.
The coursework marks would be moderated by the exam board so the final mark/grade students are given doesn't necessarily remain the same. Usually moderators come to the sixth form to look at work produced by the students so am not sure what happened in 2020 (see below). The grades and marks given for last year's work won't necessarily be the same for different years so the B grade wouldn't be definite!
However I am not completely sure whether or not coursework was taken into account in 2020 or not so you need to clarify with the teacher/sixth form.
A grade C is a good result and most of dds friends managed to progress to degree courses in Creative Arts subjects with this grade.

At present if she’s not done a mock exam she won’t be able to appeal unfortunately.

Of course, after the shambles of today the government may now change this.

But this is ridiculous - an NEA (non exam assessment) is far more rigorous and robust than a mock exam (which don't cover the whole syllabus, often involve a heads up of which areas to revise / can be second guessed based on previous mocks)

I will be writing to my MP and Sec of state fwiw (not very much probably)

NEAs also more rigorous than CAG

We had this concern as DS did three subjects with NEA elements, so by lockdown he had effectively finished 50-60% of his A level!

Sadly the actual assessed marks were not actually used/ submitted this year other than to inform the CAG the school submitted (which would also be based on performance in GCSE in the subject, any theory paper tests/ mocks etc).

Ask the school for the CAG and see if they can appeal?

How were the school's grades for Graphics last year?

This makes depressing reading:news.sky.com/story/a-levels-how-controversial-algorithm-behind-moderation-row-works-12048780

Grades for Graphics last year were very good - high performing college.

CAG was a B

My point is that the NEA should have the same status as a mock exam for appeal purposes. That's what i will be arguing

And yes I will be asking the college to appeal for her

What a mess eh?

It’s absolutely a mess and I wish you luck with your appeal - I understand that the question about an NEA being considered in an appeal was put to a minister on one of the press interviews yesterday and they were quite firm that this wasn’t being considered.

Has she been able to get a university place she’s happy with?

You will need to speak to your school and see what they advise. Based on my understanding of the situation at the moment, however, I don't think you'll have grounds for an appeal based on the NEA alone.

Did your dd do a Graphics exam at the end of Y12 OP? That may carry some weight in an Appeal?
The exams are considered more rigorous as they are done under timed conditions whereas students can spend as much time as they like on the NEAs.
Has this affected your dds university place? If it has there are other options that your dd could consider.

catndogslife - sadly no exam at the end of Y12, just a mock version of the NEA. Sigh

Thanks for the petition links cmanni - I will sign

I've tired myself out today writing to and emailing my MP, the MP for the college constituency, Nick Gibb, and the three education editors of the The Times, The Telegraph and the Guardian. It may come to nought, but at least I can say I tried.

My main contention is the Triple Lock appeal process in inherently unfair to those who do not do linear A levels and may have an NEA rather than a traditional mock exam result, plus the fact the Autumn exams will not be offered to Graphics (and Art) students since the exam comes as an inseperable bundle with a several weeks lead up and prep for the exam with the final outcome delivered in 15 hours of supervised studio time (over an entire week) in exam conditions. No college or school will be able to offer that to Graphics (and Art) students in the autumn hence these students are systemically disadvantaged by being denied the opportunity for restitution

(I've convinced myself at least )

Re uni places. Dd will do an Art Foundation Year at Arts University Bournemouth from September as this seems to be expected before applying to do a Fine Arts Degree (the following September (2021)). The Foundation Year is still further education, hence the required grades are not too exacting, however UCAS points will matter for her degree application next year in Sept / Oct 2021, and she will be several points light of what she deserves

The lack of discussion about subjects which were a high % NEA is shocking to be honest.

An autumn exam paper in theory only is no substitute for an A level in Drama, Dance, Music, Design Tech etc.

I wonder whether they will allow NEA work to be carried over to exams in summer 2021?

The 'valid mock' definition is out and mentions NEAs, may be relevant?

www.gov.uk/government/news/appeals-based-on-mock-exams?utm_source=646a0823-04e2-4636-8b71-327748790b6c

I've had a response from my local MP already (conservative) and she has concurred with what I have said, supports upholding CAG and will raise the specific issue of NEAs and non-linear subjects with the Minister

Frlrlrubert - that does on the surface of it appear encouraging. I will need to reread but it suggests that NEAs will be considered if they meet the conditions specified by the exam board? It seems that Government may have reconsidered? (I can barely believe it if so, but that would be good news indeed!)

If she's doing a foundation this year then she shouldn't worry too much about UCAS points as her FD will plump them up significantly.