Gwynedd headteacher hits out at A-level grading process as students left ‘short changed’

A Gwynedd headteacher has hit out at the grading process following a chaotic six months which has seen schools shut and exams cancelled.

Described as “broadly similar” to previous years, this summer’s results process and grading method has been dominated by a last-minute Welsh Government backtrack after an outcry over students being downgraded led to a U-turn in Scotland and changes in England.

With assessment based on coursework, previous results and teacher assessment, the education minister clarified on Wednesday that students’ final grades will be no lower than their previous AS results.

The Wales-wide pass rate for all students at grades A* to E stood at 98.6%, and 29.9% achieved an A* or A for A level –  up 2.9% from 2019.

The WJEC examination body added there had also been an “overall improvement” in students achieving grades C and above.

Philip Blaker, chief executive at Qualifications Wales, said that grades awarded to students carry the same value as any other year, while conceding that the pandemic has made 2020 a “very challenging year” after lowering many teachers’ original grades for being “too generous”.

“The cancellation of exams meant that we had to find an alternative way of awarding grades to enable learner progression,” he said.

“The method we have chosen is meaningful, robust and has been carefully thought through to be as fair as possible in the circumstances, protecting the value of results.

“We’ve been sharing our approach and guidance throughout this process with schools, colleges, learners and their families and we’ve also been listening.”

But education leaders across the region’s six local authorities have raised major concerns, claiming that students have been “let down” by the standardisation process.

Ysgol Friars headteacher Neil Foden, a member of the National Executive of the National Education Union, said that from his contact with schools more than 90% of headteachers were unhappy with the A level grades which had been awarded.

He went on to say that headteachers “didn’t understand” the model used and felt they had not had sufficient input into its creation, pointing to instances where a centre assessment ‘A’ Grade had been downgraded to ‘D’, and a grade ‘B’ downgraded to ‘U’.

“There is real concern in schools about the number of learners whose results have been downgraded from the teacher estimates,” said Mr Foden.

“This is already the generation whose well-being and, in some cases, mental health, has been affected by lockdown and concerns about Covid-19 and a number feel that in some way their results would not be as valid because they hadn’t sat a formal exam.

“Now they are the generation who could be short-changed by a statistical model that is clearly not fit for purpose.”

He added that the mathematical model used by Qualifications Wales places “too much reliance” on national data.

“Learners in schools where there is long term statistical evidence of high levels of progress between AS and A level have seen their results downgraded, in some cases by three grades,” said Mr Foden.

“The appeal process in Wales could take eight weeks. In the meantime, our university candidates are expected to go cap in hand to universities to ask them to be ‘flexible’ while appeals are resolved.”

The headteacher of Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi on Anglesey, admitted that the day had been met with “much apprehension” considering the decision to award calculated grades this summer.

Adam Williams said: “Like many schools in Wales, we saw over 40% of our students’ centre-assessed grades downgraded through no fault of their own and have been disadvantaged.

“As these exam results are the key to a student’s next steps, I sincerely hope that the Welsh Government over the coming days can provide the reassurance that they will be provided the same equitable opportunity to enter their chosen university as similar students in Scotland and England.”

But at Holyhead, like other schools across the region, many students were still left celebrating when notified of their results this morning – either in person or via e-mail.

Mr Williams added: “As expected, many pupils at Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi have come through the national standardisation of centre-assessed grades exceptionally well.

“On behalf of all the staff, we would like to congratulate all those students and wish them all the best on their next stage in education, training or employment.”

Other success across the region saw Coleg Menai Bangor student Isobel Marshall-Andrews receive an outstanding A* in Biology, A* in Chemistry, A in Physics and A* in the Welsh Baccalaureate.

The 20 year old from Llangaffo on Anglesey said: “I’m going to start an undergraduate course in Plant Science at Sheffield University with the aim of progressing on to research into crop sustainability and the interactions between plant life and climate change.

“It’s a strange time to be starting university with the pandemic but I am excited anyway and I can’t wait to begin!”

At the Llandrillo-Menai Pwllheli campus, meanwhile, Lleucu Lane from Garndolbenmaen will be off to Cardiff University to study Medicine after achieving an A* in Maths, an A in Biology and an A in Chemistry.

She said: “It was disappointing not to be able to finish our time as the class of 2020 in the usual way.

“The last few months have been unsettling, which is natural, but now I’m looking forward to the next exciting chapter!”

Meanwhile, Coleg Llandrillo Rhyl student Sohaib Hassan gained an A* in History after studying for the full A-level in only 12 months.

This additional A-level completes his already impressive resume of A-levels studied at school (A and A*grades), enabling him to accept an unconditional offer from Oxford University to read English Literature and Language.

In a joint statement, Conwy’s secondary headteachers recognised the collective endeavours of all the county’s year 13 pupils this year, while also thanking staff, parents and governors.

“We are very proud of all the hard work that our pupils have put into their A Level work and of their maturity, resilience and perseverance in the light of an unprecedented final year of education in our schools in light of the Covid-19 pandemic,” they said.

“We are delighted with their achievements and wish them all the best in their future pathways: university, further education, apprenticeships or work.”

At Llanrwst’s Ysgol Dyffryn Conwy, Elliw Ford, Angharad Butler and Patrick Lynch were all successful in their applications to Oxford to study Medicine, Music, French and Polish.

Amongst some of the other highest achievers were Elliw Ford and Ethan Witt, gaining 4A*s each.

Isabelle Walmsley and Angharad Butler also gained one A* and 3 As each,  Modlen Alun 3As, B and C; and Bethany Trow A*AAC.

Others celebrating today were Ysgol Brynhyfryd, Ruthin pupils Joe Hinchcliffe and Natasha Longhurst, who both achieved 4 A*s each.

At Castell Alun High School in Flintshire, meanwhile, Julia Thompson-Viadiu achieved a double distinction and a further distinction in Sport, along with A Levels in Spanish (A*) and History (B), and an AS in Politics (A).

Ysgol Morgan Llwyd in Wrexham said it had been a difficult time during the pandemic, but was “very proud of the successes”.

A school spokesman said: “All the staff at the school would like to thank the pupils for their work and for their contribution to school life over the years.

“We wish our leavers the very best of luck as they continue their education at university or venture into the world of work, and we look forward to welcoming year 12 pupils back in September.”

In a statement, education minister Kirsty Williams referred to this year’s “exceptional circumstances”, while noting the many sacrifices made by schools and students alike.

“You have every reason to be proud of all the work you’ve done, which will serve you well, and proud of the determination you have shown to overcome this challenging time,” she said.

“As announced yesterday, we have guaranteed that a learner’s final A Level grade cannot be lower than their AS grade. Students in Wales, and prospective employers and universities across the UK, can be assured that their A Level grades reflect their work and externally assessed exams.

“I hope you get the grades you’d hoped for, and you can continue with your educational journey in the autumn.

“Although many of you will be pleased with your results and excited for your next step, if you didn’t get what you’d hoped, there’s plenty of options and advice on Working Wales.

“Best of luck, and best wishes for the future.”

By Gareth Williams – Local Democracy Reporter