Postcards out to explain exam grading changes

WITH exams in full swing cards explaining Wales’ changing qualification system are being handed out in schools this week.

The move follows the appointment of an expert to explain the changes to universities across the UK.

More than 430,000 postcards are being distributed across Wales explaining the grading system, how the Welsh Baccalaureate works, and changes to GCSE science and the two new GCSE maths exams.

Independent exam regulator Qualifications Wales said the aim was for schools to pass the postcards on to parents of pupils in Years 9 to 11 to make it easier for them to understand the changes and the reasons for them.

There are also plans for more guides to help schools, learners and parents in future, including a set of videos due for release later this summer.

“Qualifications are changing and it’s important that everyone is fully up to speed with what that means for our children,” said Qualifications Wales chief executive Philip Blaker.

“We know people have questions and we also appreciate that qualifications can appear complicated. These cards offer handy, basic information for parents and pupils, with more information on our website.”

Earlier this year Qualifications Wales announced it was hiring someone to explain its new qualifications to university admissions tutors. The move followed some universities saying they did not consider Wales’ two new maths GCSEs to be equal or had not decided.