A new survey has been launched to hear the views of learners, teachers and other stakeholders about the way GCSEs, A levels and vocational qualifications were assessed this summer and their thoughts about arrangements for 2021.
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
The survey is part of the Independent Review of the Summer 2020 Arrangements to award grades, which will also provide recommendations for how qualifications are assessed in 2021.
Louise Casella, Director of the Open University in Wales, is leading the review, which is seeking the views of a wide range of stakeholders to ensure that lessons are learned from this year.
The review will prioritise the views of learners, schools and other people involved in delivery and supporting education. As well as the online survey, meetings are taking place with learners and representatives of schools and colleges from every region in Wales, including governors.
The interim report of key findings will be shared with the Education Minister, Kirsty Williams, in October, before the Minister makes a statement on next year’s assessments before the end of half term.
Qualifications Wales, which is responsible for regulating general and vocational qualifications in Wales, will also provide further advice to the Minister about how assessments should be completed in 2021, given the continuing disruption from COVID-19.
Kirsty Williams said:
I know that the way qualifications will be assessed this year, and arrangements for next summer’s exams, is of particular concern to many people, especially to learners and their families.
For learners in exam years, my overriding priority is to ensure that learners have the knowledge, skills and confidence to progress into the next phase of their education, training or employment.
We as the Government have put in place new arrangements in our approach, ensuring that they are robust and have fairness at their heart.
I expect to make a statement on our approach to qualifications, including vocational qualifications, before the next half term.
Louise Casella said:
It is really important that we as a Review Panel listen carefully to the voices of learners, parents, teachers, lecturers and all those involved in education in Wales in forming our recommendations. We are doing that in a range of meetings at the moment but want to hear more widely, so please use the survey to share your experiences and views on what happens next.
The survey closes on 18 October 2020.