Last week the government published the outcome of the consultation on awarding A Level and GCSE qualifications this summer. We are providing more information on how we will implement these plans at Shrewsbury Colleges Group over the next four months to ensure that your hard work and commitment is rewarded with the grade you deserve.
What will I need to study, and when will the academic year finish?
You will complete the course content specification apart from where this is not possible, for example, because you have not been able to complete practical work. The final day of study will be Friday 21 May. Year 2 A Level students will therefore not need to attend college after this date.
How will my grades be calculated?
Teacher Assessed Grades (TAGs) will be awarded to you this year as there will be no formal external exams. TAGs will be based on work completed to date over the last two years and further assessments completed between now and the end of the academic year. You will be assessed on what you have studied rather than the whole of course content specification.
In each subject, your teacher will provide you with information on the specific assessments which will take place between now and the end of the academic year. This information will be provided by the end of March at the latest.
The assessments will be appropriate to the individual subject, and therefore the number and type of assessment will differ by subject. Some assessments may need to be completed in college in lessons and some may need to be completed at home. They may also include completing the coursework set by your teachers depending on what is appropriate for the individual subject.
Where assessments include work to be completed in timed conditions in lessons, normal access arrangements will be made. For example, additional time or the use of a scribe or reader. Arrangements will be made for students who are self-isolating to complete the assessments at home
Assessments will need to be moderated within teaching teams. Moderation will take place throughout the period from March to May. Moderation of final assessments and overall grades will take place from Monday 24 May to ensure the college can meet the deadline of 18 June to submit all grades to the exam boards.
Will I be told my TAGs in advance?
Teachers will not be able to share the TAG with students. Please do not ask as your teacher will not be able to provide this information.
When will I receive my results?
A Level results will be published on 10 August, and GCSE results will be published on 12 August. BTEC/CTEC results will be published no later than for A Level and GCSE results.
We hope this information reassures students regarding the arrangements for the rest of the year. It has been an exceptional set of circumstances students have faced. Our students have responded brilliantly in terms of attendance on campus, and during remote learning. Student’s commitment to their studies and the progress they have been making is also fantastic. It is very important that they continue to do their best between now and 21 May as the work they complete will inform their final grade. We are sure that they will continue to respond to the challenges they have faced and that they will achieve the grades that they deserve.