Agenda item

To consider the report of the GwE Managing Director.

(a) To note the content of the paper and ensure input to the independent review.

(b) That the Chair sends a letter at once to Qualifications Wales, WJEC, the Welsh Education Minister and Prime Minister highlighting the Joint Committee's concerns regarding the 2021 examination series, and noting that an imminent decision should be made to use centre assessed grades for the 2021 series, rather than delay any further.

DECISION

(a)     To note the contents of the paper and ensure input into the independent review.

(b)     That the Chair should send a letter as a matter of urgency to Qualifications Wales, WJEC, the Education Minister and the Welsh First Minister highlighting the Joint Committee’s concerns regarding the 2021 exam term, stating that a decision should be made now to use centres’ assessment grades for the 2021 term, rather than be subject to further delay.

Discussion

Submitted – a report by the GwE Managing Director to raise the Joint Committee’s awareness of the Independent Review of awarding Qualifications in Wales in 2020.

The GwE Managing Director noted that concerns regarding the 2021 exam terms had been conveyed to Qualifications Wales as far back as April. Although the Review of awarding 2020 qualifications will take place, lessons learned from this by December will be too late to be put in place for the 2021 exam term.

During the discussion, it was noted that:-

·         It’s difficult to support a system which will depend on exams in 2021 when issues at the beginning of the school year are of concern as regards ensuring equal opportunities for all pupils.

·         Immediate action was required to reduce the impact on those pupils losing periods of their education through having to self-isolate at home while waiting for a COVID test.

·         GwE and the 6 authorities had released a series of press releases over the summer.

·         Young people had lost the opportunity to go to university this year because of the situation, and that they should not miss out on life opportunities because of the pandemic.

·         Next year will be even more challenging, since the young people who should take exams in summer 2021 will have suffered two years of confusion in their education.

·         Young people should be central to the discussion, and that they should not be penalised for the situation.

·         It appeared that defence of the brand was important.

·         Despite the criticism of grade inflation by teachers this year, a fair system of assessment was necessary, and now is the time to act so as to avoid facing the same confusing and chaotic situation next year.

·         GwE and the 6 authorities should respond robustly to this.

The GwE Managing Director noted that:-

·         There was no clarity to date as to what will happen in 2021. 

·         Qualifications Wales tend to follow what is happening in England.

·         Schools have to plan in the dark, and need to know immediately what will happen next year, so that they are in a situation to prepare.

·         The only solution was to use the centres’ assessment grades again next year, and noted his willingness to draw up a letter to this effect.

It was also suggested that the Education Cabinet Members should raise the matter at their meetings with the Welsh Local Government Association, and the Gwynedd Education Cabinet Member, as a member of the Board of the WJEC, agreed to convey the strong feelings of the Joint Committee.

The Managing Director was asked to draw up and share a draft letter with Joint Committee members.