Dear Year 10, Year 11, Year 12 and Year 13 Students
I hope that this email finds you and your family well.
You may have seen earlier this afternoon that the Minister for Education has announced the plans for assessment for summer 2021 outcomes for GCSE, AS and A level. As you know, arrangements that were originally planned have had to change due to the lockdown and the serious phase of the pandemic that we now find ourselves in.
This is a link to a letter from Qualifications Wales for all students across Wales which explains the new arrangements for your qualifications this summer. https://www.qualificationswales.org/media/7007/learner-letter-final.pdf
Over the next two days, your teachers and I will be going through these new arrangements in detail. I would like to speak with you early next week about these changes and what it will mean. I will send you details of this, when I will explain what will happen, when and what you will need to do. It is likely that we will have a separate presentation for each year group so that we can address the issues that are particular to your qualification.
There are still some things that the Welsh Government and Qualifications Wales are yet to decide upon so it may be that I will not be able to answer all of your questions as yet. However, once you have read through the letter from Qualifications Wales, please send me your questions and I will do all I can to address them in our meetings next week.
Whilst some of the assessment arrangements have now changed, there are some things that have stayed exactly the same. As I have said in previous letters to you:
- You will be able to achieve the grades you desire by working at that level; work hard, focus on the assignments you are given, follow the advice of your teachers, and reach out to us for support whenever you need it.
- You know that, if you try your best in your lessons and remote learning, and complete all of the work that is set by your teachers to the best of your ability, you have nothing to worry about whatever the assessment system. You will have lots of opportunities this year to demonstrate your talent and show off your ability.
- You know that your teachers and support staff will make sure that you are treated fairly and equitably, and that we will do all that we can to help you achieve the best that you can. You know that we have your best interests at heart.
Quite simply, you should aspire (know what grades you want and are capable of) and achieve (do all that you can to make these grades your reality).
Please continue to work hard at home. The work that you are doing at the moment will count towards your qualifications. The effort that you are making now will impact your grades this summer.
I look forward to ‘meeting’ with you next week. Look out for the invite which will be emailed to your school Gmail account by 8am on Monday morning, and please send me your questions in advance.
Please also continue to take good care of yourself, your friends, your community and your loved ones.
With warmest wishes
Miss Collins
