Commenting on the recent results for A-Level, Applied General and other Level 3 qualifications, Peter Shreeve, Assistant District Secretary of the National Education Union (NEU), praised the perseverance and achievements of learners.
These students have overcome immense challenges during the pandemic and a decade of educational austerity.
Their determination, resilience, and the support from educators, parents, and carers have been acknowledged with great credit.
Caution in interpretation of results
Mr Shreeve has also emphasised the need for caution when interpreting this year’s results. He warned that the experiences of the preceding events have been significant and varied for each individual.
Therefore, it would be incorrect to use these exam results as a valid measure of school quality, compare national or regional results with previous years, or use the results to compare individual schools and colleges.
The reasons for this caution are clear and include different methods of assessment, varying levels of pandemic disruption, changes in Ofqual’s approach to grading, and an abrupt return to pre-pandemic grading which may be detrimental to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Urgent need for exam reform
The situation, according to Mr Shreeve, once again underscores the urgent need for reform within the examination system.
The current methods of judging students and educational establishments are deemed insufficient. He stated that blunt, one-word Ofsted judgments are unhelpful, and that a single figure derived from exam results cannot fully encapsulate the educational offering of an establishment.
Simply relying on end-of-course exams, he added, does not permit all students to fully exhibit their knowledge and abilities.
Toward a more inclusive assessment system
The Independent Assessment Commission’s views on the subject align with Mr Shreeve’s thoughts, arguing that assessment must be “fit for purpose.”
This includes addressing current issues that result in the exclusion of some young people from meaningful qualifications, and ensuring that the assessment process is clearly linked to better life chances.
System needs to be broader, fairer and more reliable
The emphasis from the NEU District Secretary is on working towards a broader, fairer, more reliable and more inclusive assessment system for all students.
This reflection on the challenges faced by this year’s students and the inconsistencies in the current system may signal a turning point in educational assessment, moving towards a more equitable and holistic approach.
