Students hit grades in spite of the chaos
STUDENTS across West Lancashire received their GCSE results last week despite the Covid-19 pandemic meaning no exams could be sat.
Instead, as was announced by the Government just days before results were awarded, exam boards issued grades based on teacher predictions of what their students would have achieved if exams had gone ahead.
Under this system, students received a grade based on classwork and homework, results from assignments and any mock exams, any nonexam assessment or coursework that has been completed and general progress made during the course.
Schools and colleges were required to submit assessed grades of what pupils were expected to achieve to Ofqual, with headteachers required to confirm that rigorous processes had been undertaken in school to ensure these were fair and accurate.
Lancashire County Council’s cabinet member for children, young people and schools, County Councillor Phillippa Williamson, congratulated all the students who received their GCSE results last Thursday.
County Councillor Williamson said: “I don’t underestimate for one second how tough lockdown has been for those young people due to sit exams this year.
“Our students deserve to be justifiably proud of themselves, and the way that they have coped with the challenges of the last few months.
These results are the reward for a great deal of hard work by pupils and their teachers to meet the challenges posed for this year’s GCSE exams. They will stand them in good stead for the future.’’
The councillor added: “I’m so proud of our families, teachers and school staff who have worked very hard to support our pupils during these very challenging times.
“Our ambition in Lancashire is for all children and young people to reach their full potential, no matter what their starting point is.
“We will continue to strive for the highest standards so that every single young person in Lancashire achieves the very best they can. We will be working with our schools supporting the drive for them to carry on achieving and improving in the new academic year, and whatever that brings.”
Advice is also available for young people whose results aren’t as hoped for. Young people can get support through their school or local college and can also contact Talkzone, the county council’s advice and support service. It is available for young people between the ages of 12 and 19 and can be accessed by phone, text, webtalk, email and Facebook. It is also available for any young person up to the age of 25 with a disability.
During the coronavirus pandemic, the service has been extended so that it is available from 8.30am to 10pm from Monday to Friday. It is also available from 2pm to 10pm at weekends and on Bank Holidays.
Through Talkzone, young people can speak with trained advisers in confidence and chat through anything that is worrying them, as well as their exam results.