Wokingham Borough A Level Success
Students across Wokingham Borough are celebrating a different kind of A-Level results day, with COVID-19 changing the way results were calculated and given out. Some schools across the borough sent out results electronically while others arranged for socially-distanced collections to take place this morning.
Canclled Exams
After Government announcements earlier this year that all summer 2020 exams would be cancelled due to coronavirus, results have been calculated differently to previous years. Schools submitted predicted grades, based on previous work and expectations if exams had happened as planned. They also ranked pupils at each grade to help calculate grades with Ofqual, which regulates qualifications, examinations and assessments in England.
The information submitted by each school was used to create standards across all schools and colleges, to make sure results are fair and ensure students were not advantaged or disadvantaged if their school was more generous or harsher than others.
Following a Government announcement on Tuesday, students will be able to accept their calculated grade if they are happy with it, appeal to receive a valid mock result, or sit autumn exams to ensure the achievements of young people are recognised.
Ofqual
Ofqual has been asked to determine how and when valid mock results can be used to calculate grades – with further announcements expected in due course. This system will provide an additional safety net to the system of calculated grades, which is the fairest possible approach in the absence of exams due to COVID-19.
“Everyone at Wokingham Borough Council would like to praise all schools, teachers, governors, families, and above all, the students for the way they have dealt with this unprecedented situation,” said Cllr UllaKarin Clark, executive member for children’s services.
“All students should be congratulated for their efforts and should be applauded for their A-Level results this summer. The system announced by Government this week means students will have more options if they are unhappy with their calculated grades, so they can do something if they feel their results do not fairly represent their performance. This situation has been difficult for schools, teachers and students but I hope they can find reasons to celebrate.
“Whether off to university, entering the world of work or starting further training, I wish all our young people every success. I’d like to commend our schools not just for the results they produce but also for the well-rounded individuals they help shape who go on to be part of our society.”
Further Training
Some students may wish to use the council’s Elevate Me team to help them find their next steps after exam results. They can find out more about options for careers, apprenticeships and further training by visiting the service’s website, where a range of contact options are available.
