Statement on International GCSEs
Cancellation of IGCSE Examination and Teacher Assessment
On Wednesday 3rd February, Pearson informed all international GCSE centres that their examinations (IGCSEs) will not take place this summer. As a result, students’ grades will be based on teacher assessment. For those wanting to sit the exams, IGCSE examination will available later in the year (most likely October/November).
Pearson have not yet provided details of how teacher assessment will be worked out, but it is expected that they will likely follow the findings of the Ofqual consultation, which will publish on 22nd February. Once this information is available, we will communicate this to you.
What does this mean for my child?
Your child will NOT have to sit for any examination for this summer 2021. Instead, the College will be awarding each student a centre assessed grade. How this will be calculated and evidenced-based is yet to be fully revealed, but the College will carry on in terms of testing, setting of HWK and making formal and informal assessments of ability and progress. You will be informed as soon as any specific information becomes available on how teacher assessment is expected to be managed and recorded.
Can my child not have a teacher assessed grade and sit the exams later in the year?
Yes, you can decide to not take the opportunity to have a centre-assessed grade and sit the exam later in the year. The dates are yet to be published, but Pearson have committed to these examinations.
What should my child do now?
Carry on studying and working hard as they have been. It is vital that students do not lose focus, become complacent as teachers will have to assess their ability, competence, skills and subject knowledge in order to award a grade. Furthermore, it is vital that your child should have excellent attendance and engage with their teacher’s instructions and become motivated to complete the course.
Should you have any further questions, please contact me directly.
Nedaa Belal
Head of GCSE & DSL
