Pupils who are due to sit GCSEs and A-levels next summer will be given advance notice of the focus of some examinations to try to mitigate for learning lost as a result of the pandemic, according to plans unveiled by the government.
Ministers have already stated their intention that exams should go ahead in England next summer, but under proposals published on Monday schools will be given some choice over topics in a number of GCSE subjects, in recognition that many students will not have not had time to complete the whole curriculum because of lockdowns and self-isolation.
Pupils will also be allowed support materials, like a formulae sheet for GCSE mathematics, while those facing GCSE physics and combined science will be provided with an expanded equations sheet. There will also be adjustments to science practicals and art and design assessments.
The proposals are now the subject of a consultation and plans will not be confirmed until the autumn term is already under way. Worried school leaders warned the government was “way behind the curve” and expressed concern that there were still no contingency plans in case exams have to be cancelled for the third year running.
You can read the article in full here on The Guardian website.
You can read more information about the consultation, which closes at 11:45pm on August 1st here.