Survey launched to gather views on exam grading

A survey has been launched to gather views on the way GCSEs, A-Levels and other qualifications were assessed this summer.

The survey has been launched as part of an independent review into the way exams were graded after they were cancelled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The review has been commissioned by Welsh Government, in preparation for next year’s exams, and aims to gather the views of students, teachers and parents.

Initially, a standardisation model was used to determine the exam results, with pupils unable to actually sit them. However, the model proved controversial and Welsh Government scrapped it, instead awarding pupils the grades predicted by their teachers.

In England, Northern Ireland and Scotland, standardisation models were also scrapped in favour of teacher-predicted grades.

The findings of the survey will be compiled into an interim report, which will be shared with Welsh Government’s Education Minister, Kirsty Williams.

Ms Williams will then make a statement on next year’s results before the end of half term.

Welsh Government has faced calls in recent weeks to scrap next year’s exams all together.

Plaid Cymru’s shadow education minister, Sian Gwenllian, said: “With the exam fiasco of the summer still ringing in our ears, now is the time to review the work currently being undertaken by Qualifications Wales and be braver with where this takes us – even if this means scrapping the inflexible GCSE system.”

Caerphilly’s Labour Senedd Member, Hefin David, urged people to take part in the survey. He said: “It is crucial that lessons are learned from this year.

“There were many pupils affected by unfair grading last summer as a result of the lockdown restrictions.

“However, this is also about the wider impact it has had on education, wellbeing and confidence in the system – across Wales, not just in my constituency of Caerphilly.

“If you are a student, a parent, a teacher, or indeed anyone with a link to education in Wales, I would urge you to complete the survey and have your say.”

The survey closes on Sunday, October 18. To take part in the survey, visit obv.sr/exsrv