Socially distanced exams

Socially distanced exams

We have had a trail run for the summer of 2021 this Autumn. We can say it was a success. Delivering socially distanced exams.

Using both classrooms. We believe the exam experience with us is actually not only covid secure but also better than before.

We showed we can do it at a smaller scale. While preparing for the summer 2021

What else to expect:

More generous grades than normal

There will grade inflation.

In summer 2020, centre assessed grades based on teacher assessment jumped up - 78.8% of GCSEs were grade 4 or above compared to 69.9% in 2019.

To note, Ofqual the regulator has already said the "baleful" impact of the pandemic on some exam candidates. Meaning it does not think putting grades back down to pre pandemic levels would be fair.

Advanced notice of topics

Especially in some subjects such as English. The topics that will be tested will be pre warned . Including the main topics.

Allowing the schools and exam centres to focus on preparing pupils for the exams with greater accuracy.

Reducing the scope of the exams is seen as one way of extending the access and fairness of the exams.

While the scope has been reduced in GCSE English literature, history and ancient history already.

E.g. a pupil would have to answer on a Shakespeare play and then two out of three optional areas in English literature papers.

While this reduction in scope seems a good idea. The reality is it gifts the pupils who have not been disrupted the most gets the same reduced scope .

We think there should be in an increase in multiple choice using computer based exams.

How to provide grades fairly for those who have missed out more than others.

This is what 2020 was all about .And how Ofqual failed.

There is a lot of pupils who are missing school. 1 in 5. 20 percent of pupils are missing school. While in some areas it has been reported up to 70 percent

North West England schools have been badly affected

With some schools in Kent are feeling the impact .

The question is how does one recognised lost learning.

We think computer based exams when the pupil has feels they are ready Would solved this problem.

What happens to Grades for pupils who miss exams in 2021? Like in the summer of 2020 centre assessed grades can be generated using coursework, mocks and teacher assessments.

These "special considerations" which could be used for GCSE and A level candidates.