Tuesday
A levels 2021: Rising disadvantage gap for poor pupils
Gap between the proportion of black students and peers achieving grade A or above also widened during pandemic, research shows
SQA results day 2021: Pass rates drop across the board
But pass rates for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher all remain well above 2019 – the last year national exams ran, before the Covid pandemic struck
A level 2021: <1% of teacher grades changed by boards
1 in 5 schools had their teacher-assessed A-level grades reviewed by exam boards but few had to make adjustments as a result
A levels 2021: Third of teachers fear excess appeals
Aggression, stress and blame: ÌÇÐÄVlog survey reveals extent of teacher concern over 2021 GCSE and A Level exam appeals
Monday
SQA results day 2021 follows a year like no other
The ‘alternative certification model’, or ACM, replaced the usual national SQA exams – but what was it like for teachers?
SQA results 2021: Are exams best guarantee of fairness?
A think tank is arguing against scrapping exams altogether, saying they are ‘effectively insurance’ against ‘rapid grade inflation’
GCSEs 2021: Appeals ‘will help well-heeled pupils’
Select committee chair Robert Halfon raises concern over ‘sharp-elbowed’ parents appealing after this year’s GCSE and A level results day
SQA results 2021: Don’t scrap exams in push for change
With SQA results day 2021 fast approaching, one school leader looks at what can be learned from the most turbulent of years
GCSEs 2021: TAGs ‘more accurate’ than exams says Ofqual
Interim Ofqual chief says teacher-assessed grades better reflect students’ potential than ‘snapshot’ exams – later clarifying he only meant this year
Exams 2021: Why the IB’s MYP could inspire GCSE reform
If we want a truly modern assessment system, then the IB’s MYP – which weathered the pandemic well – could offer plenty of inspiration
