November 2021
Ref: AB/KM
Dear Family
Arrangements for GCSEs, As and A Levels in 2022
While the country is still responding to COVID-19, we want to make sure you know what is going to happen next with the qualifications you are working towards and how changes OFQUAL are
making will affect you as you come to the end of your studies.
We want to get back to normal – that means getting back to exams and other formal assessment. Exams are set, marked and graded by examiners, with everyone taking the same assessments at
the same time, in the same way. Other formal assessments have carefully designed and well-established marking arrangements. All this gives you the fairest chance to show what you know,
understand and can do.
Changes
We know that you might be concerned at the thought of taking exams next year after the disruption you have experienced. That is why OFQUAL have put in place changes to exams and
assessments to make them as fair as possible during the pandemic. This means that you can concentrate on what really matters– studying and revising as you prepare to get the best results
you can.
The changes include publishing in advance information on the content if the examinations, designed to give you some help for revision ahead of summer exams. It will be published no later
than 7 February 2022, and we will let you know when this is available.
If you want to know more about these changes your teachers will be able to explain what this will mean for each of your subjects. You can also find more information on the 2022 changes to
exams and changes to non-exam assessments on the OFQUAL website.
Contingency arrangements
Though we expect exams to go ahead as planned, if the 2022 exams cannot go ahead due to further Covid disruption, your grades will instead be determined by your teachers, using a Teacher
Assessed Grade (TAG) approach. This means that your teachers will gather evidence, through
assessments, to help them determine Teacher Assessed Grades (TAGs) if examinations do not
take place.
Your upcoming Mock Examinations may be used to determine your overall grade. It is imperative that you revise thoroughly for these examinations so that you achieve the best grade you can.
For many of you this year will be your first experience of formal exams. We don’t want to add to your workload, which is why any additional assessments should help you prepare for your exams,
and not create a distraction.
Arrangements for Vocational and Technical Qualifications (VTQs)
OFQUAL also expect examinations and assessments to take place for VTQs in the 2021 to 2022 academic year. Vocational and Technical Qualifications include those such as BTECs.
If you’re not sure what the arrangements are for the particular qualification that you’re studying towards you should speak to your subject teachers at the Academy.
Yours sincerely
Mrs A Bell Mr D Irish
Vice Principal Principal
