Method for calculating A Level results to ‘change’ 24 hrs before release 07:37 - Aug 12 with 4686 views | ElderGrizzly | The Govt really don’t get how Mock Exams work either. Once again a predicted shambles. Students will still be issued with the calculated grades as these went to schools overnight and they will need to appeal to get Mock results used instead |  | | |  |
Method for calculating A Level results to ‘change’ 24 hrs before release on 07:42 - Aug 12 with 3541 views | FoD_Blue | I’m not an expert in education and exams. What is the solution? It feels like they are going to be pilloried whatever they do. |  | |  |
Method for calculating A Level results to ‘change’ 24 hrs before release on 07:45 - Aug 12 with 3536 views | ElderGrizzly |
Method for calculating A Level results to ‘change’ 24 hrs before release on 07:42 - Aug 12 by FoD_Blue | I’m not an expert in education and exams. What is the solution? It feels like they are going to be pilloried whatever they do. |
My wife worked on the project all summer. The issue is the Government changing policy 24hrs before results release and ignoring advice all summer |  | |  |
Method for calculating A Level results to ‘change’ 24 hrs before release on 07:51 - Aug 12 with 3519 views | Plums | That’s release to students. Universities have had the results since last Friday evening and have made admissions decisions based upon them. As you say this is predictable chaos from the clowns in chief. |  |
|  |
Method for calculating A Level results to ‘change’ 24 hrs before release on 07:55 - Aug 12 with 3509 views | ElderGrizzly |
Method for calculating A Level results to ‘change’ 24 hrs before release on 07:51 - Aug 12 by Plums | That’s release to students. Universities have had the results since last Friday evening and have made admissions decisions based upon them. As you say this is predictable chaos from the clowns in chief. |
Yep. Schools got them at 00:01 this morning which is where the reality of this sh!t-show will hit home |  | |  |
Method for calculating A Level results to ‘change’ 24 hrs before release on 07:57 - Aug 12 with 3492 views | Marshalls_Mullet | I think everyone knows that mock exams weren't intended to become actual grades, but neither were teachers predicted grades or coursework. There's no perfect solution. |  |
|  |
Method for calculating A Level results to ‘change’ 24 hrs before release on 07:58 - Aug 12 with 3493 views | Herbivore | It feels at this point like the level of incompetence of this government must take actual effort to sustain. You can't just passively be this hopeless, you've really got to try. |  |
|  |
Method for calculating A Level results to ‘change’ 24 hrs before release on 08:00 - Aug 12 with 3486 views | ElderGrizzly |
Method for calculating A Level results to ‘change’ 24 hrs before release on 07:57 - Aug 12 by Marshalls_Mullet | I think everyone knows that mock exams weren't intended to become actual grades, but neither were teachers predicted grades or coursework. There's no perfect solution. |
Agree. But Its almost as if they’d listened to experts all summer we might have a more workable solution than what is happening. The Govt rammed through this solution with little consultation with schools or awarding bodies |  | |  |
Method for calculating A Level results to ‘change’ 24 hrs before release on 08:02 - Aug 12 with 3479 views | lowhouseblue |
Method for calculating A Level results to ‘change’ 24 hrs before release on 08:00 - Aug 12 by ElderGrizzly | Agree. But Its almost as if they’d listened to experts all summer we might have a more workable solution than what is happening. The Govt rammed through this solution with little consultation with schools or awarding bodies |
what is the more workable solution then? |  |
| And so as the loose-bowelled pigeon of time swoops low over the unsuspecting tourist of destiny, and the flatulent skunk of fate wanders into the air-conditioning system of eternity, I notice it's the end of the show |
|  | Login to get fewer ads
Method for calculating A Level results to ‘change’ 24 hrs before release on 08:04 - Aug 12 with 3474 views | Herbivore |
Method for calculating A Level results to ‘change’ 24 hrs before release on 07:57 - Aug 12 by Marshalls_Mullet | I think everyone knows that mock exams weren't intended to become actual grades, but neither were teachers predicted grades or coursework. There's no perfect solution. |
It's not like they've had 5 months to come up with the best workable solution or anything. |  |
|  |
Method for calculating A Level results to ‘change’ 24 hrs before release on 08:05 - Aug 12 with 3472 views | Plums |
Method for calculating A Level results to ‘change’ 24 hrs before release on 07:57 - Aug 12 by Marshalls_Mullet | I think everyone knows that mock exams weren't intended to become actual grades, but neither were teachers predicted grades or coursework. There's no perfect solution. |
True. However it was this bunch of largely privately schooled ideologues who decided that a Victorian style exam only approach was the way to go, ignoring the advice of experts once again. They deserve no sympathy. |  |
|  |
Method for calculating A Level results to ‘change’ 24 hrs before release on 08:05 - Aug 12 with 3462 views | ElderGrizzly |
Method for calculating A Level results to ‘change’ 24 hrs before release on 08:02 - Aug 12 by lowhouseblue | what is the more workable solution then? |
You postpone University entrance to January and run exams in October/November. That was one of the preferred options put forwards anyway |  | |  |
Method for calculating A Level results to ‘change’ 24 hrs before release on 08:07 - Aug 12 with 3451 views | Herbivore |
Method for calculating A Level results to ‘change’ 24 hrs before release on 08:05 - Aug 12 by ElderGrizzly | You postpone University entrance to January and run exams in October/November. That was one of the preferred options put forwards anyway |
That creates a whole further set of problems though. |  |
|  |
Method for calculating A Level results to ‘change’ 24 hrs before release on 08:07 - Aug 12 with 3453 views | FoD_Blue |
Method for calculating A Level results to ‘change’ 24 hrs before release on 07:45 - Aug 12 by ElderGrizzly | My wife worked on the project all summer. The issue is the Government changing policy 24hrs before results release and ignoring advice all summer |
Fair play. I thought that your concern was regarding the solution, and not the timing. It’ll be interesting to see the results of the steps taken, will they be on par with other years, or will we suddenly see a year of bumper grades across the board. I expect that in a situation like this, there is never going to be a perfect solution. |  | |  |
Method for calculating A Level results to ‘change’ 24 hrs before release on 08:14 - Aug 12 with 3426 views | lowhouseblue |
Method for calculating A Level results to ‘change’ 24 hrs before release on 08:05 - Aug 12 by ElderGrizzly | You postpone University entrance to January and run exams in October/November. That was one of the preferred options put forwards anyway |
the trouble is that is just as flawed, and subject to just as emotive criticism, as the current approach. it would raise even bigger inconsistencies and unfairness. how would you account for the huge disparity of teaching and resources that students have had since march, how would you adjust curriculum fairly to reflect what hasn't been taught, what if in person exams aren't possible in the autumn, what does it mean for university courses and funding. where do the resources to prepare students for autumn exams now come from? it's easy to pick holes in the current position but there are just as many holes in that alternative. the complaints of unfairness would be just as great and the poorest would again be those who do least well in autumn exams. [Post edited 12 Aug 2020 8:17]
|  |
| And so as the loose-bowelled pigeon of time swoops low over the unsuspecting tourist of destiny, and the flatulent skunk of fate wanders into the air-conditioning system of eternity, I notice it's the end of the show |
|  |
Method for calculating A Level results to ‘change’ 24 hrs before release on 08:14 - Aug 12 with 3425 views | NthQldITFC |
Method for calculating A Level results to ‘change’ 24 hrs before release on 07:42 - Aug 12 by FoD_Blue | I’m not an expert in education and exams. What is the solution? It feels like they are going to be pilloried whatever they do. |
I think so too. And the underlying trend of improving grades every year seems to me to have made a mockery of the system anyway. Surely, even if standards are continuously improving - which I don't believe, given the admittedly limited evidence I have seen - then the system should self-calibrate to present a steady proportion of results at each grade. Of course what is happening is successive administrations of all colours trying to make themselves look good, as well as an indulgent desire to give students a better feeling about themselves, all at the expense of an honest grading system. |  |
|  |
Method for calculating A Level results to ‘change’ 24 hrs before release on 08:20 - Aug 12 with 3404 views | GlasgowBlue |
Method for calculating A Level results to ‘change’ 24 hrs before release on 08:05 - Aug 12 by ElderGrizzly | You postpone University entrance to January and run exams in October/November. That was one of the preferred options put forwards anyway |
So not only condemn kids to six months with no school but take away a further four months of uni? Do you realise the ticking time bomb of teenage mental health issues, addiction, poverty and crime that we are sitting on? |  |
|  |
Method for calculating A Level results to ‘change’ 24 hrs before release on 08:21 - Aug 12 with 3400 views | Plums |
Method for calculating A Level results to ‘change’ 24 hrs before release on 08:14 - Aug 12 by NthQldITFC | I think so too. And the underlying trend of improving grades every year seems to me to have made a mockery of the system anyway. Surely, even if standards are continuously improving - which I don't believe, given the admittedly limited evidence I have seen - then the system should self-calibrate to present a steady proportion of results at each grade. Of course what is happening is successive administrations of all colours trying to make themselves look good, as well as an indulgent desire to give students a better feeling about themselves, all at the expense of an honest grading system. |
I see it differently. The entire Primary and Secondary education system is geared towards exams whether they be SATs, GCSEs or A-Levels. My 12 year old was telling us the other day how she and her friends believe years 8 and 9 are ‘irrelevant’ because there is no exam component. This was supported by her 16 year old brother who is waiting for his results. Until we start treating education as preparing young people for adulthood and to be citizens of the world about them, the focus will be on the test. As a consequence, results will continue to improve because schools, students and parents are getting better and better at preparing for them. The resources available now to a GCSE student are incredible, yet the exams they sit are far more difficult than those I sat as the first cohort through the new system. Focus on the test, prepare well. Of course the results will continuously improve. [Post edited 12 Aug 2020 8:25]
|  |
|  |
Method for calculating A Level results to ‘change’ 24 hrs before release on 08:23 - Aug 12 with 3386 views | Mullet |
Method for calculating A Level results to ‘change’ 24 hrs before release on 08:14 - Aug 12 by NthQldITFC | I think so too. And the underlying trend of improving grades every year seems to me to have made a mockery of the system anyway. Surely, even if standards are continuously improving - which I don't believe, given the admittedly limited evidence I have seen - then the system should self-calibrate to present a steady proportion of results at each grade. Of course what is happening is successive administrations of all colours trying to make themselves look good, as well as an indulgent desire to give students a better feeling about themselves, all at the expense of an honest grading system. |
Although, the reason for improvements are down to the massive revision of the exam specifications by Gove. In crude terms the first years of each exam saw some the government enforcing wild variations to grade boundaries to make them “work”. Once you get used to the content and demands you do get better results. I’ve improved my department’s top end grades every year probably just by virtue of that and the hard work put in to it. From the manner of the lockdown, the handling of school meals, the briefing of the press before us to this it’s very hard to think that this government is merely anything but contemptible and inept. Williamson seems to make Gove look good. |  |
|  |
Method for calculating A Level results to ‘change’ 24 hrs before release on 08:28 - Aug 12 with 3353 views | Keno |
Method for calculating A Level results to ‘change’ 24 hrs before release on 08:23 - Aug 12 by Mullet | Although, the reason for improvements are down to the massive revision of the exam specifications by Gove. In crude terms the first years of each exam saw some the government enforcing wild variations to grade boundaries to make them “work”. Once you get used to the content and demands you do get better results. I’ve improved my department’s top end grades every year probably just by virtue of that and the hard work put in to it. From the manner of the lockdown, the handling of school meals, the briefing of the press before us to this it’s very hard to think that this government is merely anything but contemptible and inept. Williamson seems to make Gove look good. |
Williamson makes Lambert look vaguely competent |  |
|  |
Method for calculating A Level results to ‘change’ 24 hrs before release on 08:29 - Aug 12 with 3356 views | Mullet |
Method for calculating A Level results to ‘change’ 24 hrs before release on 07:42 - Aug 12 by FoD_Blue | I’m not an expert in education and exams. What is the solution? It feels like they are going to be pilloried whatever they do. |
To an extent, but that is largely of their own making. They made a huge fuss about having this grand system. We were made to loads of work on ranking students and I’ll be honest it caused a lot of stress and arguments, it was then replaced by “statistical modelling” which was presented to the public in the most opaque way possible. This past decade as with so many other things, the Torres have ignored the experts, ignored the evidence and this is in some ways their chickens coming home to roost. Although obviously the cover of COVID saves them somewhat. Most years you get kids being patronised and their work demeaned by “yeah but they’re easier now” type sneering. But this generation will never have their achievements taken seriously probably. There was already a scandal brewing that in typical Tory style they had allowed for discrimination against the poorest and most vulnerable kids, if that sticks and the impacts on social mobility are felt it will be unforgivable. |  |
|  |
Method for calculating A Level results to ‘change’ 24 hrs before release on 08:31 - Aug 12 with 3350 views | TractorWood |
Method for calculating A Level results to ‘change’ 24 hrs before release on 08:00 - Aug 12 by ElderGrizzly | Agree. But Its almost as if they’d listened to experts all summer we might have a more workable solution than what is happening. The Govt rammed through this solution with little consultation with schools or awarding bodies |
The media smell blood too because it's been poorly handled in Scotland. If you can get Sturgeon to apologise and do a U-turn it will be in the papers for days. You have emotional students, teachers and an inept government. Chaos incoming. |  |
|  |
Method for calculating A Level results to ‘change’ 24 hrs before release on 08:35 - Aug 12 with 3342 views | ElderGrizzly |
Method for calculating A Level results to ‘change’ 24 hrs before release on 08:20 - Aug 12 by GlasgowBlue | So not only condemn kids to six months with no school but take away a further four months of uni? Do you realise the ticking time bomb of teenage mental health issues, addiction, poverty and crime that we are sitting on? |
Teaching in Universities is already rather spread out. It could be done in a more compressed way for a short period. Again not saying there is a simple answer or a perfect one. What would have helped of course was the Tory Govt not abolishing coursework from A Levels and making it all based on final exams. The modular system had issues, the linear system is fatally flawed. |  | |  |
Method for calculating A Level results to ‘change’ 24 hrs before release on 08:39 - Aug 12 with 3330 views | lowhouseblue |
Method for calculating A Level results to ‘change’ 24 hrs before release on 08:29 - Aug 12 by Mullet | To an extent, but that is largely of their own making. They made a huge fuss about having this grand system. We were made to loads of work on ranking students and I’ll be honest it caused a lot of stress and arguments, it was then replaced by “statistical modelling” which was presented to the public in the most opaque way possible. This past decade as with so many other things, the Torres have ignored the experts, ignored the evidence and this is in some ways their chickens coming home to roost. Although obviously the cover of COVID saves them somewhat. Most years you get kids being patronised and their work demeaned by “yeah but they’re easier now” type sneering. But this generation will never have their achievements taken seriously probably. There was already a scandal brewing that in typical Tory style they had allowed for discrimination against the poorest and most vulnerable kids, if that sticks and the impacts on social mobility are felt it will be unforgivable. |
in the absence of exams, ranking students within schools seems essential. is there an alternative to that? how then do you translate that school by school ranking into a distribution of grades nationally that maintains the integrity of the A level system as a whole? if school ranking gives 40+% A*/A they can't all get that if the qualification system is going to remain credible. so how do you avoid statistical moderation? |  |
| And so as the loose-bowelled pigeon of time swoops low over the unsuspecting tourist of destiny, and the flatulent skunk of fate wanders into the air-conditioning system of eternity, I notice it's the end of the show |
|  |
Method for calculating A Level results to ‘change’ 24 hrs before release on 08:40 - Aug 12 with 3319 views | Herbivore |
Method for calculating A Level results to ‘change’ 24 hrs before release on 08:35 - Aug 12 by ElderGrizzly | Teaching in Universities is already rather spread out. It could be done in a more compressed way for a short period. Again not saying there is a simple answer or a perfect one. What would have helped of course was the Tory Govt not abolishing coursework from A Levels and making it all based on final exams. The modular system had issues, the linear system is fatally flawed. |
As someone who teaches at a university I can tell you that first paragraph is way off. Universities don't have the resources to cram extra teaching into their timetable. They have neither the rooms nor the staff to squeeze in an extra terms worth of teaching into the existing timetable from January and June. |  |
|  |
Method for calculating A Level results to ‘change’ 24 hrs before release on 08:42 - Aug 12 with 3306 views | Keno |
Method for calculating A Level results to ‘change’ 24 hrs before release on 08:40 - Aug 12 by Herbivore | As someone who teaches at a university I can tell you that first paragraph is way off. Universities don't have the resources to cram extra teaching into their timetable. They have neither the rooms nor the staff to squeeze in an extra terms worth of teaching into the existing timetable from January and June. |
woah!! does that mean you are the TWTD brainbox? |  |
|  |
| |