IGCSE students set to sit exams as usual

Other GCSE examinations have been cancelled and will be graded on teacher assessment because of lockdown measures in England. Many Guernsey courses use the same exam boards.

Private schools Blanchelande College, Elizabeth College and The Ladies’ College each have students taking IGCSEs.

Some IGCSE-awarding bodies are offering options to cater for global educational cohorts, which have responded to the pandemic differently.

Unless a uniform decision is made to cancel IGCSEs, or the Bailiwick’s control of Covid-19 changes before that date, students will sit exams as usual.

‘At present, IGCSEs appear to be going ahead,’ said Mike Elward, Blanchelande College vice-principal. ‘It is too soon to say with any surety that formal examinations will go ahead, but at present we should assume that they will.’

All 41 Year 11 students take IGCSE English literature, English language and maths, with five design technology and seven IT students also.

Mock exams will go ahead on the assumption that the situation will stay the same, although GCSE marks are now being awarded via centre assessed grading.

‘Students were naturally disappointed by the changes and some have found it unsettling, while some received the news without expressing surprise. Having our students in school and being able to readily communicate with them has greatly helped.’

Having the immediate goal of mock exams has brought an air of normality to students’ experiences, Mr Elward said.

‘Being in Guernsey means that they can continue largely with their normal routine, and Centre Assessment Grades means that, in a sense, what they produce in class and assessments is even more valuable, as opposed to focusing on performance in a final exam.’

Mocks will not form the main basis of final grades, which will be measured throughout the year and further toward the end after students have progressed.

No deadline has been given yet to when centre-assessed grades must be submitted.

Elizabeth College vice-principal Rick James confirmed those on English language and literature, mathematics, business studies, German and history courses will be taking IGCSE exams as usual this summer through awarding body Edexcel.

‘At this time Edexcel have confirmed that it is their intention to run the May/June 2021 series for International GCSE as planned. As such Elizabeth College is continuing to teach and provide support to students in their preparation for the IGCSE exams.’

The Ladies’ College principal Ashley Clancy said the school was taking a calm approach, monitoring government and examination board advice, and focusing on student education and wellbeing.

‘What we are lucky to have control over here currently is uninterrupted learning, one-to-one support and time to think and plan ahead.’

Cambridge International is an IGCSE-awarding body used by Ladies’ College, which is allowing schools to apply for exemptions for course components involving facility or equipment access, or working with others.

Applications must be made by 17 April and used only as a last resort.