DISRUPTION to learning caused by coronavirus lockdowns and confirmed cases forcing pupils to stay home may again affect end-of-year exams.
Schools in Wales have decided to cancel GCSE and A-level exams in 2021 because of the impact the pandemic has had on lessons.
Assessments will be carried out under teacher supervision in the spring instead.
Should England’s schools do the same?
Ridgeway School headteacher James Povoas said: “I don’t know. Personally, I would hope that’s not necessary and schools are able to remain open and we are able to get to exams.
“I appreciate that some students have had time out of school but ideally, the Covid situation will get better so they can show what they are capable of. We’ll have to wait and see.”
Royal Wootton Bassett Academy Trust CEO George Croxford offered other ways that the exams could be carried out.
He added: “I can’t understand how next year’s GCSE and A-level exams could be done as normal with just three extra weeks’ preparation to make up for students not being in school between this March and September.
“They have not had the same thorough preparation as usual, it’s unfair.
“If [the government] is going to run them, then fine, but there have to be wider options for the kids.
“They could be done in any order and students should have a choice because they may not have covered everything in their classes.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here