Germany did not cancel their A level exams

Germany did not cancel their A level exams

Germany’s equivalent of A levels. That were due to be sat from March to June in 2020. much like the UK’s A levels went ahead as normal.

While the Germany’s federal system meant different policies for different areas. The vast majority. of exams, with pressure from the Government. With Karin Prien, Education minster for the state of Schleswig-Holstein said at the time "Today's decision will finally give students in Schleswig-Holstein and in all of Germany the clarity to prepare properly for exams." Exams there will begin on April 21.

Schools, according to the spectator article were largely concerned with challenges related to physical distancing and how to manage staff. All of the things we discussed in a previous blog.

Schools are well aired classroom space, wide distances between desks. Exams are by their very nature social distancing. So why did we have to cancel them? The exam in the UK were cancelled them because of the Toxic relationship between Ofqual the regulator and the unions.

The unions were refusing to allow their members to be invigilators. While they endorsed the new Ofqual suggestions of standardisation. Essentially giving the union members, ie. the teachers the whole summer term off. Well played the unions!

While on the other hand, Germany even allowed teachers who might be considered vulnerable and high-risk groups were exempt from invigilating the exams. Pragmatic, sensible planning. Germany got this right.