Oxford shot halts spread TEACHERS IN CHARGE

Schools to assess GCSE & A-level grades Appeals process will still be in operation

THE Oxford vaccine helps prevent people from spreading coronavirus as well as from getting ill, new research confirms.

Scientists behind the jab also revealed how the longer interval between doses pioneered in Britain improves protection.

They have published additional results from ongoing trials in Britain, Brazil and South Africa in the Lancet journal.

It shows transmission is reduced by 67% meaning infection rates should start to drop off now more people are getting vaccinated.

They will also be a major boost to the UK strategy of offering first doses to as many people as possible and delaying a second dose by up to three months.

Prof Andrew Pollard, chief investigator of the Oxford Vaccine Trial, said: “This new data provide an important verification of the interim data that was used by more than 25 regulators including the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency and European Medical Association to grant the vaccine emergency use authorisation.

“It also supports the policy recommendation made by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation for a 12-week prime-boost interval, as they look for the optimal approach to roll out, and reassures us that people are protected from 22 days after a single dose of the vaccine.”

The pre-print paper confirmed a single standard dose of the Astrazenecamanufactured vaccine is 76% effective from day 22 to day 90 after the jab. After the second dose efficacy is 82.4% if the interval between jabs is three months.

NORTHERN Ireland pupils will be graded in 2021 by their teachers.

Unlike last year when CCEA imposed its still-secret “algorithm” and crushed almost 40% of the grades proposed by staff, this time the schools’ judgments will be final.

However, for pupils who feel they have been unfairly treated, an appeals process will be available.

The system is a replica of that announced by Welsh Education Secretary Kirsty Williams two weeks ago, and comes just days after Education Minister Peter Weir banned WJEC Welsh exam board subjects from the Northern Ireland curriculum.

Results for GCSES, AS and A-levels run by CCEA will now be based on pupils’ work during their courses, and will not be altered by any statistical standardisation. It means kids will have their qualifications awarded as a “Centre Determined Grade”.

It is in part a return to the outcome last summer when centre assessed grades from teachers replaced results after standardised results were ditched after more than 10,000 Northern Ireland pupils had 11,000 grades reduced by up to four grades. It created deep upset and concern, with many university hopefuls missing out on their courses as a result.

The move has been welcomed by the body representing the students affected. Cormac Savage, President of the Secondary Students’ Union of

Northern Ireland which has regularly slammed Mr Weir’s recent decisions, said they welcomed the arrangements for awarding in 2021.

Mr Savage added: “These proposals will help our students progress in education through the pandemic and are the true cancellation of exams our

students both desired and required. We welcome the dissemination of materials to schools in April from CCEA to support our teachers in grade determinations and are pleased this material’s use is optional.

“In particular, SSUNI welcomes the evidence-based nature of this year’s centre determined grades and the absence of an algorithm for grade regulation. The minister has put trust in our teachers.

“These are excellent proposals from the minister which meet the needs of our students in every regard.

“The direct link between evidence and grading means students will be safe in the knowledge their grades are reflective of what could have been achieved under normal circumstances. We are particularly delighted that the minister has chosen to trust our teachers over algorithms.

“SSUNI also welcomes that the minister is exploring factoring 2021 AS grades in 2022 A-level awarding and urge this to be given full consideration so our students feel their grades in 2022 are based on their full course of study.”

The Education Minister said A-level and GCSE grades for 2021 will be reached by teachers using “the full breadth of evidence available”. And schools who face a legal challenge on their decisions, will have a safety net.

Mr Weir said: “I will put in place the same indemnity arrangements as last year to protect schools should they face legal challenges in relation to their role in the alternative awarding process.”