Following on from the Department for Education’s announcement last week, we wanted to make sure you have all the necessary information about how your grades will be assessed this summer, and steps you’ll need to take to get your future sorted. We’re always looking out for our students, which is why we’ve put together a simple summary of what this recent announcement means for you.
Working out your grade.
This summer, your teachers will determine your grades based on what you’ve been taught so far. You’ll be relieved to know that you will not be graded by an algorithm, and instead your teachers will tell you exactly what evidence has been used to grade you. If they haven’t let you know already, don’t hesitate to ask them. For any private candidates, we recommend contacting your local school, college or exam centre to provide evidence for your grading.
Evidence and Assessments.
Your teachers will calculate your results based on evidence from a variety of different assessment methods including mocks, tests and any incomplete, non-exam-based work, as well as future assignments that can be completed without an exam. Teachers may also decide to use optional questions provided by exam boards, in order to make the process as fair and flexible for you. For any Art and Design students, your grade will be based on your portfolio.
It’s important to keep in mind that your future work will also be recognised when determining your grades, so give yourself the best possible chance of receiving the grades you desire by continuing the hard work.
What if I’m studying for a vocational or technical qualification?
For students studying towards qualifications such as BTECs and OCR, functional skills and occupational qualifications, the disruption of teaching due to Covid-19 will mean that not everyone will have fully covered the curriculum. This means that teacher judgement will largely apply, although, a one size fits all approach can’t be validated when awarding all programmes, so to help you understand it all, we’ve highlighted the key facts below.
Applied Generals including BTEC’s and OCR Cambridge Technicals
If you’re studying for a qualification that is similar to, or taken alongside GCSEs or A levels, then this means that your teacher will make an informed judgement on your grade using factors such as tasks and assessments that have already been completed. Awards will be given no later than for GCSE and A Levels, even if your teachers have incomplete assessment evidence for you.
International Baccalaureate exams have been cancelled for the UK and more guidance on these will follow in the next few weeks.
Functional skills and (ESOL) Skills for Life
If you’re carrying out an apprenticeship and need to take a qualification in functional skills in order to complete it, then you should be able to take your assessment, in line with public health measures. In cases where it isn’t possible to access an assessment in-person or remotely, teacher assessed grades will apply and awarding organisations will decide on evidence required.
Professional or occupational qualifications
If you are studying for a qualification that requires a demonstration of your skills, then assessments can continue as normal, where possible. Although, assessments may be delayed or adapted to align with public health advice and measures. Awarding organisations will let your college or training provider know when you should expect your results.
Results and Appeals.
There’s no need to stress! You’ve got plenty of time to put the work in and achieve the grades you want. Results Day has just been confirmed, so here’s the all-important dates for your diary:
- AS and A level - Tuesday 10th August 2021
- GCSE – Thursday 12th August 2021
It is also important for you to know that if you feel you’ve not received the results you deserve, there is an appeals process in place. The first step of this process is to submit an appeal to your school or college.
Our flexible approach.
We want to reassure you that our admissions team are adopting a flexible approach this year as we understand the considerable disruption and disappointment you have experienced throughout your studies. Along with your calculated grades, we will take into account a number of different factors when considering your application, including all of the information provided in your reference and personal statement (you can discover some of our handy tips on writing your statement here).
For students interested in any of our courses where an interview or audition is required, we’d also like to reassure you that our admissions team will take these circumstances into account when reviewing your application.
Still got questions?
If you find that you have any questions about the most recent announcement and what this may mean for you and your grades, then please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team by emailing hscadmissions@chester.ac.uk for any Health and Social Care enquiries or admissions@chester.ac.uk for any other enquiries. Alternatively, you can call us on 01244 511000.
The University of Chester is committed to supporting you every step of the way, especially during these unusual times, so if you'd like more information about replying to your offers, you can find out more on our website.
