How grades will be awarded. The government and exam boards have got it wrong.

[bigvig]

Teachers will rank order students and award grades. The exam boards will then alter the grades so they are in line with the grades from the previous year group from that school/college. Each year grades in our area grades can fluctuate by 10-20% one way or another. So this year group can only do as well as last year's cohort. Fair?

Thanks so much, it's good to know that in your view as a teacher it's a legitimate email to write. I've got the relevant bit from the ofqual guidelines so I'll hang it on that and make it as short and to the point as possible. And not send it until term has started.

Doesn't sound "that parent"ish to me either as a fellow GCSE parent

I imagine "that parent" would write something like "I know my little Johnnie has been disruptive and lazy for the last 5 years and that I've been abusive to you if you've tried to pull him up on it but he does deserve a 9 really so make sure you give him one"

I'd be inclined not to send that email. All the guff says to consider exam concessions , so they should.

Just my view.

I don't think it's 'that parent' ish to do so, I juts don't think it is a good idea. If you feel you need to, send it to the SENCo perhaps?

That's why Isa di to contact the SENCo but teachers should be aware of exam concessions.

The SPLD by itself wouldn't make teachers predict higher grades, unless concessions had been put in place.

The person I'd send it to is being inundated by emails about another matter at the moment (by parents who clearly don't share my reluctance!) so I'll let that settle down before sending mine.

Piggywas I'm sure you're right that they're probably aware of it but on the off chance they're not, I'd rather make doubly sure. I'd kick myself if he got a lower mark in the subject where it's most needed due to a British fear of being a nuisance.

Our school has sent several reminders to parents about not getting in touch with staff to discuss the grades process/'argue their child's case' etc... It is quite clear that they are concerned lots of these kinds of messages might undermine with Ofqual the school's credibility when awarding grades. It's quite clear that kids at the top/bottom end of any grades calculated by schools will be subject to change when moderated by Ofqual also.

One of my DD's maths teacher started maternity leave at the end of Spring term - not quite sure what (if any) input she will be having into determining how DD might have progressed by the time she sat the exam.

I also feel for schools with loads of supply teachers over time whose children have not had a consistent figure who knows them and can vouch accurately for their achievement levels. And for those who have been home-schooled...