IMPORTANT info about remarks (A-Level and GCSE)

[polarpercy]

I've seen a few threads with posters talking about getting remarks where grades were close to boundaries. There have been rule changes this year which mean:

• marks will only change if there has been an error in marking (in totalling marks or applying the mark scheme)
• marks will not be changed just because a second marker would have interpreted the answer or mark scheme differently.

The Guardian sums this change up quite succinctly.

Ofqual have also set out their reasoning for this change with the argument being that it creates a fairer system so as not to disadvantage schools or students who cannot afford to pay for remarks.

OCR also set out what this means for parents/students or schools seeking a review (not remark) of papers. Edexcel also provide a handy summary for students.

Please do speak to your school/son or daughter's school before going for a review of the exam paper, as with the changes it would seem that grade changes are more unlikely.

Another vote for 'don't be put off' here. DDs iGCSE Eng Lit 1 UMS off A, school successfully challenged the moderating down of coursework (assuming for whole year group), she was awarded further 4 UMS, taking her to an A. Interestingly though, we'd already submitted remark as exam paper score looked unreasonably low (given how she felt it had gone, plus her track record in exams over 2 years) - this did NOT change upon remark (as far as I know neither did others in similar position). So either school had been gauging level wrong when marking (possible) or the exam boards are being more reluctant to award more marks. Hard to say.

I thought a 'review' of marking was supposed to ensure that the original mark was correct. The thought of examiners 'resisting' and 'becoming meaner' makes me so angry. It should be about our kids being treated fairly. The date the appeal is submitted should be utterly irrelevant.

How did it end up for her?

I've just commented on another thread. Daughter felt her English Lang GCSE paper went very well and was surprised to see she was 4 marks off a 9. We sent 2 papers back to be reviewed and she was given 11 more marks. 9 on one paper and 2 on the other. This was CIE.