Ofqual Consultation

Proposed changes to the way some GCSEs, AS and A Levels should be examined in summer 2021 (Whole School - 06/07/2020)

Dear Parent, Carers and Students

I hope you and your families are well.

There has recently been much speculation in the national media about how examinations could change next year. Ofqual, the office of qualifications and exams regulation, is now consulting on proposed changes to the way some GCSEs, AS and A levels should be examined in summer 2021 and to the arrangements for non-exam assessments undertaken by students who will be taking exams next summer. The proposals are made in the context of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and are available here.

Ofqual are seeking views from both parents and students on their proposals to change the assessment requirements for some subjects to:

• free up teaching time and, in some instances, reduce what needs to be taught; and
• take account of any public health restrictions relating to coronavirus (COVID-19) that might be in place during the next academic year

This consultation includes proposals and questions on the following areas:

• adaptations to exams and assessments that could free up teaching time
• adaptations to exams and assessments to address obstacles that could be created by any public health safeguards
• sampling of subject content
• the use of more optional questions in exams
• changing the length of exams
• changing the exam timetable

A link to the consultation survey can be found at the bottom of the attached web page:

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/proposed-changes-to-the-assessment-of-gcses-as-and-a-levels-in-2021

We hope that by listening to the views of parents, students and teachers, the assessment plan for Summer 2021 will be one that places student well-being and fairness at its core.

Kind regards

Dr. Chris Eardley
Senior Deputy Head Teacher