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A headteacher has shared his relief as GCSE grades poured in today, describing them as “imperfect” but the “fairest outcome” following the UK government’s marking U-turn.
As exams didn’t take place as planned this summer due to the pandemic, students’ grades were instead issued by exam boards, based on teacher assessments, class rank and past performance.
However, nearly 40% of Jersey sixth formers received an A Level grade lower than the one predicted by their teachers last week, leading to concerns that the same algorithm would be applied to GCSEs this week.
However, following backlash to the A Level results, the UK Government made a major U-turn and said that both A Level and GCSE grades would instead be based on teacher assessments.
Despite the controversy surrounding their results, more Jersey students than ever before achieved top grades in their GCSEs, and beat their UK counterparts once again.
Pictured: Two in five A Level students received a grade lower than the one predicted by their teachers in Jersey last week.
Following the results release this morning, JCG Principal Carl Howarth said: “Following the UK's Government and Ofqual’s debacle over the A level results last week, I am relieved and pleased that our Year 11 students have received their official grades today based on the centre assessed grade.
“While imperfect, it is the fairest outcome and reflects the trajectory our students were on, had the exams gone ahead, and for which they were thoroughly prepared.”
He continued: “We are so proud of our students and their achievements, so appreciative of the talents and care of our staff and deeply thankful to the support of their parents throughout the past two years of study. This is a very capable and resilient generation of young women and the very high level of success they have achieved is reflective not only of their ability but also their work ethic during the course, their ambition and their support of one another.”
Pictured: The exam grades have been based on teacher assessments instead.
Andrea Firby, Head of School at Beaulieu, which had a 100% GCSE pass rate, commented: “I am delighted that we have seen such strong results for our GCSE students, under difficult circumstances. I’m thrilled that our students' efforts, past performance and hard work have been recognised and rewarded. These results continue to build upon the School’s excellent academic reputation and I am very grateful to our conscientious and dedicated team of staff and so proud of our students.
She added: “Today’s GCSE results follow the success we enjoyed last week with our A Levels and we are delighted to see such a high percentage of top grades achieved across a range of subjects.”
Education Minister Senator Tracey Vallois commented: “There has been much controversy surrounding the UK Government’s handling of this year’s GCSE and A-level grades, which has come on top of the stresses and strains that students have faced due to the Covid-19 pandemic. I’m delighted with Jersey’s wonderful results during these unprecedented times and wish students the best with their future.”
While today's GCSE results have been celebrated, students that studied towards a BTec qualification were this morning facing uncertainty.
Last night, on the eve of results day, exam board Pearson pulled its results. It said it would be regrading all to bring them in line with the new system for A Levels and GCSEs.
In total, 169 Level 3 students were affected by the regrading announcement: 63 second-year students studying IT, Games Development and Health and Social care, and 106 first-year students, including those studying for business qualifications.
In response, it was decided that all local students that undertook Level 2 and 3 BTEC and other vocational courses would receive their teacher-assessed grade predictions.
Their official grades from the awarding bodies – which should be in line today's predicted grades - are expected to be received next week.
Assistant Minister for Education Deputy Jeremy Maçon commented: “We are proud of the resilience and commitment that students have shown by maintaining their learning throughout the pandemic. Praise must also go to parents and carers for their commitment to the crucial support that they have also provided.
"And, it goes without saying that our principals, heads and teachers have been unstinting in their efforts to ensure that students get the very best results they possible can.”
Students celebrating their results are now being reminded to do so safely and in line with physical distancing guidelines.
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