Wales have cancelled next years' exams

[Springcatkin]

Will the rest of the UK follow suit?

Just came on to say that.

Will be interesting to see if England follows suit.

I’ve been telling my daughter in sixth year that she needs to assume exams will be cancelled next year. She’s terrible for cramming for exams at the last minute.

Will see what the Scottish government do.

I'm in two minds I'm an exams officer in the South West, very little disruption this term and none in yr11. And I love my job so I will miss the summer stresses.

But for those kids in the North who have had repeated isolations I so think this is the only option.

Do think

Not sure if I want them to or not. Ds seems to think he will do better in an exam

My son's girlfriend is in year 11 (doing mocks at the moment). She has been very lucky, no cases at her school but most of the other local schools have had multiple cases. The Year 11 have been off school isolating more than they have been in school so its not a level playing field.

When did this happen? I had not seen the news yet.
Not sure it is good or bad, now that they are back in school.
She just had her math tests for last year this week. I think next year exams could be more normal if they manage to stay in school enough.
I have to think about this one...
But I bet she will be delighted

@MushMonster it’s breaking news on the bbc.

Announced about 10 minute ago.

Is this for all secondary years or only the older ones? What I can see as being debated is about A levels?
So it will not affect mine, but best luck to all in thise years! They are challenging enough in a standard year.

GCSE & A level.

Ivam on my lunch break at work so I cannot watch the news yet.
I will later on today

Whilst I'm not convinced by a teacher assessment model, I am pleased that the Education Minister is making this decision now so that affected students would be in no doubt that every bit of work they do now is important instead of relying on just being good at sitting a test.

It also gives the teachers, schools and the education authorities enough time to create a robust framework by which to work so there's little doubt about the validity of the marks awarded.

My only fear is there'll be a new Education Minister in May because Kirsty is stepping down. Hopefully they won't make any last minute changes to this plan!

I've just read some articles about it and it will still be external exams externally marked in the spring term. So exactly like GCSE's then?

I really hope they make plans for home educated children this time, as they were totally ignored with the 2020 exams.

Surely GW much capitulate now? We cannot have a scenario where all the other home nations will be assessing GCSEs by CAGs next year whereas kids in England, especially those in areas such as Liverpool and Manchester, will still be forced to sit exams. That’s the least fair option of all.

Not ideal but this does seem the fairest way to go. I have however told DD to keep working because if they do cancel, it doesn't necessarily mean she will be awarded her predicted grades.

If they do cancel, it will be interesting to see what happens to uni offers.

What happened last time to homeschooled/self-taught kids regarding Centre Assessed Grades? I'm new to this area. My 18 year old daughter is studying A Level politics on her own this year (she's catching up after missing loads of school due to cystic fibrosis). Any advice most welcome. Thank you.

They didn’t get a grade frage
inews.co.uk/news/education/a-level-results-home-educated-schooled-students-being-left-with-no-grade-cancelled-exams-577187

I'm sure my son, Y11 in Wales will be pleased but just means that every class test and mock between now and spring will count towards their grade?

Mine will both be gutted if they do

The Wales Ed Minister says they consulted with all UK Unis who were fine with it.

Scotland announced months ago that their GCSE equivalent were not being exams but course work. But their A level equivalents were going ahead.

How is in a level playing field for Scottish and English kids when applying to Uni?

Until this year I was not aware who devolution really meant in practice. Did those that decided to devolve understand what would actually happen?

I hope this happens in England. My dd , y11, NW , is currently in her third period of isolation.

It's not ideal but nothing is with this situation and at least they are announcing early which seems fairer. Mine is in y10 so not directly affected but have warned her it may happen for her year as well. I would expect England to follow suit.

@Lasvegas, education is one of the biggest components of devolution. That’s why the Scottish government have been able to use funds to cover university fees for those whose home address is in Scotland. This is a massive saving for young Scots.