Update to 2nd year A-Level students and parents/carers

(Published Thursday 7 May 2020)

Teaching and Learning for Year 2 A-Level students

Following the cancelation of this summer’s exams, staff have been busy putting together the necessary information required to meet the Ofqual guidance. As you would normally by now be starting your exams, we have decided the following:

• As of this week (w/c 4 May 2020) all Year 2 A-Level lessons will stop following classes on Thursday 7 May.
• Staff will be still be available to provide individual support to help you to prepare for your next steps over the remainder of the summer term. This feedback, along with suggested reading and other activities, will help you to continue with your studies and make sure that you are ready to take your next steps in education, training or work. This will be posted on Microsoft Teams and you will be able to contact teachers via MS Teams in your original one-hour teaching slot should you need to.

Examinations

As you may have read in the information provided by Ofqual shortly before the Easter break, students’ final grades will be awarded based on a Centre Assessed Grade (CAG) which will be suggested by the college and confirmed or adjusted by exam boards as part of an external review process. Centre Assessed Grades will be based on a combination of student work, data and professional judgements.

Unfortunately, the college and teachers are bound by strict confidentiality rules NOT to discuss or reveal students’ Centre Assessed Grades. We fully understand that these are unprecedented times and it may be a very stressful time for students but we ask that you do not contact your teachers to find out or discuss your CAG under any circumstances. Please be reassured that the college continues to do everything we can to support you to achieve your full potential.

A-Level results will be available to students on the morning of Thursday 13 August, and GCSE results on Thursday 20 August.

UCAS update

Universities were requested by the government to delay making unconditional offers until 20 April to avoid students feeling pressured to make an early decision. Students should not feel pressured to accept an unconditional offer. There will be an enhanced ‘Clearing’ process this September for students not happy with where they are placed or wish to explore other university options. Universities have confirmed that Calculated Assessment Grade results will be used primarily for progression to higher and further education.

We fully understand that you may have a lot of questions about the next few weeks and months. As a college we aim to reassure all our students that we continue to do everything we can to support you. Not all details have been confirmed so we may not yet be able to answer all your questions; however, below are two questions that a number of you have asked of us:

• Can students be told what their Centre Assessed Grade (CAG) is?

  Unfortunately not. Under no circumstances is the college allowed to share CAG with students. This process is to be treated as highly confidential until final grades are published on results day in August. We therefore ask that you do not ask staff to discuss or disclose your CAG.

• I was approved for access arrangements before exams were cancelled and/or I receive additional learning support from the college. Will this be considered in my CAG?

  Yes. If you have approved access arrangements for exams this summer and/or you currently get additional learning support towards your academic study, it will be considered by the college as part of our professional judgement when allocating your CAG based on current academic/additional learning support already in place.

We will keep you informed of any developments as quickly as possible including arrangements for A-Level results day. Meanwhile, please follow the Government’s advice to stay home and stay safe.