Education chiefs back examination changes
But ‘level playing field’ concerns
THE region’s school leaders have cautiously welcomed amendments to GCSE and A-level examinations to compensate for the impact of the pandemic but remain concerned for disadvantaged children.
Speaking recently to The News headteachers pleaded for clarity regarding the exams, but they have questioned the timing of the announcement and the extent to which the changes will ensure a ‘fair playing field’.
Measures to mitigate the impact of Covid include students getting advanced notice of topics, exam aids being provided in some subjects and more generous grading. There will also be additional exams in July to ensure those students who miss exams due to illness or isolation are able to have a ‘back-up chance’.
Headteacher at The Cowplain School, Ian Gates, said: ‘ The planned revisions are sensible and reasonable. However, I’m unsure why we have waited until the end of the autumn term when this could have been sorted out six months ago.’
Priory School headteacher, Stewart Vaughan, added: ‘This is good news overall. There’s an acknowledgement that simply putting the examinations back by three weeks was never enough to respond to the challenges f aced by Year 11 students this year and we welcome this further clarification.
‘Some aspects of the announcement remain perplexing. For example we do not understand why we are waiting until January for more information to help us to plan our support.’
It’s a sentiment shared by college leaders.
Principal at Portsmouth College, Simon Barrable, said: ‘It’s now vital that schools and colleges get advanced notice about topics to be covered in papers as soon as possible before unnecessary content gets covered in the precious time we have with students.’
Portsmouth City Council’s cabinet member for education, Suzy Horton said: ‘Whilst the decision to scrap league tables, relax the grading and give advance notice of topics are all very welcome, I do have reservations as to the extent this can level the playing field.’
Conservative councillor, Terry Norton said: ‘I do have concerns about the different educational experience in different areas but I’m pleased to see the government has put forward a commission to assess this.’