QUALIFICATIONS Wales has today, March 24, announced that assessment requirements will be adapted for learners studying for GCSE, AS and A levels in summer 2022.

This is in recognition of the disruption to learning for students caused by the pandemic.

WJEC will consult with the teachers and lecturers in April and will then publish details of the adaptations.

Philip Blaker Chief Executive of Qualifications Wales said: “The announcement today is intended to provide reassurance to teachers and lecturers, and learners currently in Years 10 and 12.

“Whilst there continues to be uncertainty around the trajectory of the pandemic, we are acutely aware that schools and colleges need to plan for their learners – the decision to adapt qualifications means that they can be clear on what needs to be covered by learners as they return to school or college.

“We remain hopeful that examinations can go ahead next summer on these adapted qualifications, but we will monitor the evolving situation and have alternative plans for assessment ready to be implemented if there are significant periods of disruption.”

Education minister for Wales, Kirsty Williams MS announced earlier this year that exams would not take place for a second year running due to the coronavirus pandemic and its disruption to students’ time with teachers.

Those that were due to take exams in summer 2021 have also been given an update on what they can expect.

Qualifications Wales published a fresh take on their guidance to alternative arrangements for approved GCSE, AS and A level qualifications this year.

The update gives an overview of how atypical grades will be identified and followed up in summer 2021 to ensure learners and their parents can have confidence in the validity and credibility of the results.

All schools and colleges will be expected to submit a rationale to explain their overall pattern of results and WJEC will identify those where further discussion is required.

WJEC will not act to change results, as they will be decided by the professional judgement within schools and colleges. But they may ask centres to revisit their provisional Centre Determined Grades if the pattern of results is not justified by the rationale presented.

Mr Blaker continues: “As outlined in the Minister for Education’s policy direction, the grade profiles of schools and colleges will be reviewed, and any atypical grade profiles discussed with the schools and colleges.

“The intention is that this provides confidence that there is a final step to safeguard the credibility of results through professional dialogue.

This builds on other parts of the quality assurance arrangements that seek to establish consistency in the approaches taken by schools and colleges across Wales in summer 2021.

“It also reflects feedback from school and college leaders who expected a similar process last year and welcomed this opportunity to explain their professional judgement.”