Exams
Proposed changes to the assessment of GCSEs and A levels in Summer 2022
Guidance was released on Thursday 30 September from Ofqual and the Department for Education (DfE) on the awarding of grades for GCSEs, Vocational Qualifications, AS and A levels in Summer 2022. The proposal for Summer 2022 exams recognise the disruption caused to this year group’s education as a result of the pandemic, while balancing the need to return to exams as the fairest possible form of assessment.
Guiding principles for summer 2022 exams
Ofqual and the DfE will work with examination boards to ensure that there are suitable adaptations made to examination content and grade boundaries. The announcement has made clear the following key principles will be applied to the awarding of qualifications next year:
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Summer examinations will be used by exam boards to determine final grades for learners
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Examination boards will provide advance information about the focus of the content of the exams for GCSE, AS and A level subjects for summer 2022 exams
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Grade boundaries set by examination boards will be a midway point between 2019 and 2021 national trends
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Teacher Assessed Grades (TAGs) will only be used as a contingency measure if exams cannot go ahead
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Exam results will be published and available for collection from Holderness Academy on:
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Thursday 18 August A Level and Level 3 Vocational qualifications
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Thursday 25 August GCSE and Level 1/2 Vocational qualifications
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If you would like more information on how the awarding of grades will be conducted this year, please use the linked article below:
Proposed changes to the assessment of GCSEs, AS and A levels in 2022
The Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) has released further guidance for candidates who will complete GCSE, A Level and level 2 or 3 Vocational qualifications in summer 2022.
Please use the links provided to access this information.
Information for candidates - Coursework Assessments September 2021
Information for candidates - Non-Examination Assessments (NEAs) September 2021
Information for candidates - On-screen tests September 2021
Information for candidates - Written examinations September 2021
Information for candidates - Privacy notice 2021 - 2022
Centre Assessed Exams (CAEs) Key dates
Year 11
Year 11 Cycle 1 - Monday 1 November to Thursday 11 November 2021
Year 11 Cycle 2 - Monday 7 March to Friday 18 March 2022
Year 11 Information Evening
The presentation below is designed to support the students at this vital time, the beginning of their final year of GCSE.
The presentations cover:
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The key milestones that are crucial to your child’s success in Year 11
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Expert advice regarding how to revise successfully
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Specific advice around the key to success in Maths, English and Science
Key changes presentation
Maths presentation
English presentation
Science presentation
We appreciate the support you have given the academy throughout your child’s journey from Year 7 to Year 11 and know that you will continue to work closely with us to ensure that your child reaches their potential.
Year 10
Year 10 Cycle 1 (Provisional time period) - Monday 22 November to Monday 29 November 2021
Year 10 Cycle 2 (Provisional time period) - Monday 3 May to Friday 13 May 2022
Why are CAEs important?
The aim of Centre Assessed Exams (CAEs) is to make the process similar to the examination structure of Summer 2022 or 2023 final exams. When not in an exam, learners will follow their normal timetabled lessons. Learners are expected to follow their school day as normal, this includes arriving at Tutor Time promptly.
Each examination series is important in several ways, therefore we ask for your support with preparing your child through revision and preparation. Centre Assessed Exams are completed for the following purposes:
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Helps us to target bespoke support to learners based on their knowledge and skills
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Enable us to predict their attainment at the end of the academic year
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Provides valuable information to sixth form colleges and employers
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Allows learners to be accustomed to the procedures and processes
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Allows learners to practise revision techniques that will help them refine their revision for next summer
Getting ready for an examination
We will discuss details of the procedures for each exam with students, but it is worth highlighting that it is vital learners are present, punctual and properly equipped for exams. Students will need:
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At least two black pens
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Pencils
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A calculator
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A protractor
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A compass
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A ruler
Examination procedures
Mobile phones and smart watches must not be brought into the exam hall. They are allowed to be left in bags, which will be left outside the exam hall. Please note that we accept no responsibility for the loss or damage to this equipment and students are not obliged to bring them into school if this causes a concern.
In the exam room the rules stipulated by the exam board apply. These key points are that learners must be silent and not communicate with anyone else unless they require support from a member of staff. Any breaches of this requirement will be dealt with seriously. We want to ensure that every learner has the best possible chance of success during this period of time.
Please see key procedure documents below:
- Access Arrangements
- Appeals and Post-results Services
- Exam Evacuation Procedures
- Exams Archiving
- Exams Lockdown and Contingency Plan
- Malpractice and Maladministration
- Non-Exam Assessment
If you have any further questions or require additional support please contact us using the following email address exams@holderness.academy.