How are GCSE results calculated? 2021 grading system explained
STUDENTS all over the UK will find out their GCSE grades on Thursday.
Once again, no exams have been able to take place amid the coronavirus pandemic so pupils' fates rest on their previous work and teacher assessments.
How are GCSEs being graded without exams?
Unlike last year, hopeful students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland will get grades on the basis of teacher assessment alone.
The assessments are based on several pieces of marked work and previous exams undertaken.
Any pupils set to receive their results should have been made aware of what work and exams are being assessed before their grades are finalised.
All work assessed is based on this year's teaching, making allowances for teaching hours curtailed by Covid-19 restrictions.
These grades will then be double-checked by other teachers before being signed off by the head teacher.
And amid claims that students from more affluent areas could get an advantage, it has been confirmed that exams boards will regulate if the evidence teachers use to grade pupils is fair.
The new streamlined grading system comes after teens receiving results last year were initially given a moderated GCSE grade worked out by a computerised algorithm.
But after thousands of A-Level results were downgraded causing heartache for pupils the government performed a U-turn and ditched grades generated by computers.
How did schools work out students’ predicted grades?
Results will be based on teachers' predictions.
Teachers were asked to give a grade they thought each pupil would have got had they sat the exams.
This is based on various pieces of coursework and mock exams.
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson previously told the Commons: “This year’s students will receive grades determined by their teachers, with assessments covering what they were taught and not what they have missed.
"Teachers have a good understanding of their students’ performance and how they compare to other students this year and from those of previous years.”
What happens if students are not happy with their results?
Students unhappy with their results can appeal their grades - which can be done via two steps.
Firstly, appeals can be made if students or parents believe there has been an error in grade calculation.
This is done via individual's schools, which will then liaise with the exam boards.
Any students who was assessed independently must speak to the centre that submitted their results.
If following a review, no admin error has been found, a student can appeal their grade to the exam board if they feel their teacher's awarded grade is unfair.
The Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) guidance says: "Requests for appeals on the grounds of academic judgement (unreasonableness) will only be considered by awarding organisations and not by centres.
Can students re-sit exams?
Students in England not happy with their grades can retake GCSE exams in November.
This is to give the option for students to improve the grade they receive.
Alternatively, students have the option to enter again for the summer 2022 exams.
How do the numerical grades work?
Traditional A*-G grades have been scrapped and replaced with a 9-1 system amid reforms, with 9 the highest result. A 4 is broadly equivalent to a C grade, and a 7 broadly equivalent to an A.
In 2017 the grading system was overhauled so that instead of using letters as had been the tradition, students would receive a number 1-9.
2020 was the first time that all students received their grades with the new system after a few years of phasing it in.
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This is now the case for GCSE students who will get numerical grades for all their subjects as all courses have now moved over to the new grading system.
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The number system came into place in an attempt to make GCSEs tougher.
It's believed that it will help students appear more attractive to potential employers as higher grades now have more distinction than the old system.