3 October 2022
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Dear Parent/Carer,
Ofqual announcement re: exams
On 29th September the government published some information regarding decisions that have been made about examinations in summer 2023.
This information can be viewed here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/exams-head-back-to-normality-in-2023
https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/grading-exams-and-assessments-in-summer-2023-and-autumn-2022
In summary, the government, the examinations regulator Ofqual, and the examination boards have confirmed the following:
- At a national level, grades will be in line with grades awarded in 2019. This was always likely to be the case, after a one-year transition year when public examinations returned in 2022.
- However, there will be a safety net to ensure that, nationally, grades in 2023 are not lower than they were in 2019.
- This means that, generally speaking, students have the same chance of getting a grade A* or C at A level, or a grade 9 or 5 at GCSE, as in 2019.
- Examinations in vocational and technical qualifications will also return to a 2019 grade profile.
- Formula sheets will be provided in the GCSE mathematics, physics and combined sciences examinations, meaning that students will not need to memorise these formulae or equations.
- Advanced information about where to focus revision, which was provided in 2022, will not be provided this year. Students will need to learn and revise the whole specification as normal. Any topic could come up in the examination.
- If a student has studied the whole course but is ill during the examination period they may be able to receive a grade by sitting one paper in the qualification rather than the previous rule of 25% of the assessment, although certification of illness will be needed.
- The examination boards are currently consulting on the examination timetable. In most qualifications, there is at least a week between the first and last examination paper to ensure that if students are ill for one paper they are able to sit another.
The government are due to consult on what contingency arrangements should take place in the unlikely event that examinations are cancelled in summer 2023. Once decisions are made by the government more details will follow.
Thank you for your continued support.
Best wishes
Bishop Challoner Catholic College
