Students to receive grades after cancelled exams

Tue, 11 Aug 2020

More than 1,200 pupils will receive their A-level and GCSE grades this month, despite the cancellation of all exams due to the global health emergency.

The unprecedented situation means students' at the Island's five secondary schools will have their grades calculated in a different way this year.

Pupils will still be awarded their grades by exam boards, but they have been assigned using information such as predicted grades, coursework and evidence of previous performance. It is expected the system will accurately reflect how pupils would have performed if exams had gone ahead as normal.

Dr Alex Allinson MHK, Minister for Education, Sport and Culture, said: 'The process has been designed to ensure pupils are not disadvantaged as a result of the extraordinary circumstances of recent months. Students have shown remarkable resilience and flexibility during a very challenging period for everyone on our Island.'

'We understand the cancellation of exams was very difficult and upsetting, and we will be offering a range of support and advice to make sure our pupils can make the best decisions with a view to moving on to college, university, apprenticeships, training or work.'

'I hope the extra support will help promote continuity, opportunity and positive progression for all our students to whom I wish the best of luck.'

National and International exam boards made the decision to cancel all exams to protect life in March. Shortly after the decision, the majority of schools on the Isle of Man were closed and remained so for three months, before reopening in June.

A-Level students will be the first to receive their grades on Thursday 13 August, along with those studying Level 3 BTEC. GCSE results will be awarded on Thursday 20 August.

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