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Secondary education

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Original poster

Exams cancelled

999 replies

noblegiraffe · 04/01/2021 20:13

Alternative arrangements will be made.

How stressful to announce that with no details about what will happen.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
16
ihearttc · 15/01/2021 17:11

Just read it! So pretty much exams as normal then!! Honestly they have well and truly messed this up haven’t they?! I don’t think it’s actually going to achieve anything, they should have just left them to sit them as normal.

goldendog · 15/01/2021 17:12

I completely agree. It’s a total shambles.

OP posts:
ihearttc · 15/01/2021 18:08

I can’t see where to actually fill it in? I’m probably being rather dim (I’m a TA and it’s been a very very long week!) I thought it was on the document but I can’t find it!

ihearttc · 15/01/2021 18:08

Ignore me, I’ve found it!!

Original poster
noblegiraffe · 15/01/2021 18:09

Online form here: www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/8BYI4T/

OP posts:
Original poster
noblegiraffe · 15/01/2021 18:27

Summary of the proposals:

Here are some of the proposals:

A student’s grade in each subject will be based on their teachers’ assessment of the standard at which the student is performing, using a combination of evidence that might include:
results from papers provided by exam boards, but set by teachers to take account of differential learning. This will be supported by mark schemes, exemplar papers, other guidance on standardisation, and training from exam boards
non-exam assessment (NEA) in subjects where it applies
other performance evidence such formal tests, mock exam results and any substantial work completed by students.
All students can appeal if they don’t believe their grade reflects the evidence of the standard at which they were performing
Students who aren’t studying within a school or college must be able to receive grades too.
In terms of timing, the DfE and Ofqual are proposing that:

students are assessed by their teachers in a period beginning in May into early June
teachers submit grades to exam boards by mid-June
external quality assurance is carried out by exam boards throughout June
results are issued to students after the quality assurance, most likely in early July.
The DfE and Ofqual say that students should be given time to complete their non-exam assessments (NEA), as this will contribute to the evidence teachers use to determine their grades. They are proposing that the exam boards should give guidance on adjustments that could be made to the way non-exam assessments are completed, to account for current circumstances.

www.aqa.org.uk/news/dfe-and-ofqual-summer-2021-consultation

OP posts:
JellyBabiesSaveLives · 15/01/2021 18:37

I don’t think it’s very fair to give them a grade reflecting the standard at which they are performing, when some have missed a quarter of their course and some have not. Children who couldn’t do home learning due to their home circumstances are going to be well below the standard of children who had really good online schooling throughout, aren’t they?

And saying they’ll release exams “shortly before” the period of several weeks in which they’ll be sat, to prevent students seeing the papers beforehand ... ok, there’s this thing called the Internet

ihearttc · 15/01/2021 18:38

It seems to suggest that they are publishing various exam papers for each subject beforehand so they know what’s in each exam but not which one they are getting? Is that correct??

goldendog · 15/01/2021 18:42

Yes I think that’s correct.
But if there’s say 10 papers available for one subject there’s nothing to stop the candidates looking at all of them. So it wouldn’t matter which of the paper(s) the school chooses to use. It’s a nonsense.

ihearttc · 15/01/2021 18:52

Yep that’s what I thought, I don’t get the point of it!

NovemberR · 15/01/2021 19:36

Well that looks fun for teachers!

The students can sit exams in May/June - set by exam boards and marked by teachers - instead of just sitting exams?

My sympathies to all those teachers who are on their knees already this year but are going to be expected to do this on top!

Coffeeandcocopops · 15/01/2021 20:50

So exams cancelled. Now back on. Another u turn by this government. Why don’t they just hold off making the announcements until they have a plan in place

Original poster
noblegiraffe · 15/01/2021 20:53

Can they make us mark exams when normally other people would have been paid to mark those exams?

That seems like a union issue?

OP posts:
MrsHamlet · 15/01/2021 21:08

Probably if they call it teacher assessment. Which doubly pisses me off since I'll lose the marking money as well!

NotDonna · 16/01/2021 09:01

It’s not making a whole lot of sense as it also asks if the mini exams should be compulsory or not; if there’s a min & max number. How can they not be compulsory?
I think I’m missing something as I’m struggling to see how these are ‘better’ / ‘fairer’ than the modified exams they were planning to sit in summer? It’s a genuine question as I can’t see it.

NotDonna · 16/01/2021 09:08

@MrsHamlet

Probably if they call it teacher assessment. Which doubly pisses me off since I'll lose the marking money as well!
It’s going to be a crazy amount of extra work for you guys isn’t it? To not be paid for it is simply not on! Why can’t examiners still mark? I know ‘marking’ work is part of teachers remit, but are examiners specially trained or more experienced markers? I’m wondering if some teachers would feel out of their depth doing this. It’s quite a different responsibility.
Goodbye2020Hello2021 · 16/01/2021 09:13

I think I’m missing something as I’m struggling to see how these are ‘better’ / ‘fairer’ than the modified exams they were planning to sit in summer? It’s a genuine question as I can’t see it.

It sounds like they will be controlled assessments. All subjects had them until a few years ago.
Modified exams (shorter /fewer topics) would require exam halls, invigilators, external markers, moderators etc.
Controlled assessments can be done in classrooms, are marked by teachers and are sample moderated.

Goodbye2020Hello2021 · 16/01/2021 09:16

It’s going to be a crazy amount of extra work for you guys isn’t it?

Yes. Teachers mark them, moderators look at a sample. Same as when we all did controlled assessments.
Anyone making a living from externally marking exams won’t have a job this year.

Goodbye2020Hello2021 · 16/01/2021 09:18

Can they make us mark exams when normally other people would have been paid to mark those exams?

Yes. Art/D&T/Drama/music/PE etc.
Have always marked their own exams. A moderator looks at a sample.

Workyticket · 16/01/2021 09:29

I'm already getting begging emails from my GCSE adult students - last year was hell with the emotional blackmail.

I've posted on all of my Teams clearly stating that I won't be discussing predicted grades until we have more guidance

Some used the Target Grades (we have to say grade 4 or 5 is target) to batter teachers during the process last year

Goodbye2020Hello2021 · 16/01/2021 09:37

I'm already getting begging emails from my GCSE adult students - last year was hell with the emotional blackmail.

That’s grim. People have no shame.

Workyticket · 16/01/2021 09:40

@Goodbye2020Hello2021

I'm already getting begging emails from my GCSE adult students - last year was hell with the emotional blackmail.

That’s grim. People have no shame.

Yup.

'You're the only thing holding me back from my dream job'

'I'm 42 and have brought up 3 children alone. I need to get this for my mental health'

'My family are relying on my passing and will be ashamed of me if I dont'

Mainly from students with poor attendance/ who'd been getting consistent grade 2 / grade 3 in previous assessments

It was utterly miserable.

fortyfifty · 16/01/2021 09:59

@Goodbye2020Hello2021

I think I’m missing something as I’m struggling to see how these are ‘better’ / ‘fairer’ than the modified exams they were planning to sit in summer? It’s a genuine question as I can’t see it.

It sounds like they will be controlled assessments. All subjects had them until a few years ago.
Modified exams (shorter /fewer topics) would require exam halls, invigilators, external markers, moderators etc.
Controlled assessments can be done in classrooms, are marked by teachers and are sample moderated.

That frames it in a much better way. But it still doesn't address the discrepancy between the amount of in class or direct teaching different children have received.

I think my A level dd will be fine. She's fortunately good at self-directed study and has performed consistently well since the beginning of Year 12. But she got live lessons during the summer term lockdown.

But if cancelling exams is supposed to account for those who weren't able to continue studying - for whatever reason - then I don't see how this solution addresses that.

Coffeeandcocopops · 16/01/2021 10:05

Remember to reply to the govt consultation. It won’t take long. Has to be completed by late January

www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/8byi4t

www.gov.uk/government/consultations/consultation-on-how-gcse-as-and-a-level-grades-should-be-awarded-in-summer-2021