Tomorrow (20th August) is the release date for GCSE exam results. As everyone will be aware this has not been a normal year and the following is hoped to be a useful guide to coping with the many conflicting reports about grading this year.
How have my grades been calculated?
Ofqual, the exam regulator, has announced that you will be given a grade based on work completed before the school went into lockdown including your January mock exam grades this is called the Centre Assessed Grade (CAG). In May teachers were asked to provided Centre Assessed Grades (CAGs) and the plan had been to feed these through an algorithm that would have adjusted every school’s grades to reflect what might have happened in a “normal” school year.
Ofqual has announced that most grades awarded this year will be based on the Centre Assessed Grade.
So, no algorithm?
Yes and no. The algorithm has been applied to your GCSE result. But the grade you see on Thursday will be either
a) The Centre Assessed Grade
or
b) The exam board grade (which is the CAG with the algorithm applied because that grade is higher than your original CAG submitted by the School in May.)
In other words – if your CAG would have been pulled down by the algorithm then you will get the higher school generated grade but if the CAG was brought up by the algorithm then you will be awarded the higher processed grade.
The higher grade will always be the awarded grade.
I’m planning to move to another school in September and they want to see my grades. What do I send?
Tomorrow we can give you your mock grades from January, your CAG from May and your final grade. Most schools will want to see your final grade, and this is likely to be the best grade that you have. If you have any concerns, then we will be happy to support you and can discuss your results with your new school.
I’m disappointed with my grade. What do I do?
Firstly, talk to us and we can see what we can do to help you. If you think you could do better than what you have been given there will be a full suite of retakes in the Autumn – GCSE exams will be offered in November. The appeals system is still being worked out, currently an appeal can only be launched on procedural grounds.
Should I come in to collect my grades?
Yes, please do, it would be great to see you. We are open from 09:00am. You can collect your results from the Exams Office in the Braille Building.
If you do not come to school and your grades do not arrive via email, then please make contact with the Exams Office.
I would like to talk about my A level choices for next year.
Great. Mr. Abdou and Mr. McCann are on hand to assist with plans for Year 12.
Are my grades worth less than other years?
No, don’t be ridiculous. You worked for these grades and they are true reflection of your commitment and talent. Be proud of all that you have achieved and use these as a springboard for future success.
19 August 2020
Nicholas Hammond
Headmaster
