Teachers’ union expresses concern over exam marking

Schools will move to teacher assessments as a result of the UK’s third lockdown, although some exams may still take place depending on the awarding body.

While Guernsey pupils are in school, their counterparts elsewhere have largely moved to online learning.

‘NASUWT cautiously welcomes the decision in Guernsey for in-person teaching to continue, as testament to the strategy throughout the pandemic of committing to a strong track and trace system,’ said Gary Upton, national executive member.

‘The union is fully committed to the safe re-opening of schools throughout all jurisdictions where it represents members and has made public its concerns regarding the lack of effective and timely track and trace across parts of the UK.’

IGCSEs will still take place.

Pupils in England whose A-levels and GCSEs are cancelled will depend on replacement grades from teachers, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has announced.

Access to wi-fi and good working environments are some of the issues raised about pupils being taught at home.

‘It is clear that such an inconsistent picture will mean that students in different jurisdictions and regions will receive different provision meaning that it will be difficult to implement an assessment system that fairly takes account of such discrepancies.’

NASUWT is ready to advise the States of Guernsey should the Bailiwick’s control of Covid-19 change.

‘We remain committed to working with The States and call on them to be ready to react quickly and decisively should the virus regain a foothold on the island, as we have seen on the Isle Of Man where an island-wide full lockdown has been enacted following the re-occurrence of community transmission, with seven cases identified in a single day.’

Pupils in Jersey will return to school today.

There are calls there for teachers to be vaccinated early to enhance safety.