GCSE appeals from Jersey schools

11 September 2012

Jersey schools will be submitting appeals on behalf of students who may have been affected by changes to the grading system for GCSE English Language this summer.

Head teachers and Education, Sport and Culture managers met on Friday to discuss the implications of the controversy in the UK, where exams regulator Ofqual has been accused of unfairly changing the grade boundaries since the January GCSEs. Some students’ grades in Jersey appear to have been adversely affected.

“There is evidence that students have been treated differently this summer. Our concerns are focussed on the border between C and D grades, which is critical for students who want to move on to other courses. However, the problem has not affected all schools. Some have more students in the C-D grade range and have therefore been affected more than others” said Director of Education, Mario Lundy.

Analysing results

English results in a number of Jersey schools appear to be below expectations. Some subjects, including science and humanities, also appear to have been affected, but maths results have improved in all Jersey schools.

Schools have been analysing results since they were published in August and have been pursuing the normal appeals procedure. Head teachers have agreed that where individuals have come close to the higher grade they will ask parents if they wish to pursue an appeal in an attempt to improve their child’s result. The final number of appeals from Jersey has not been established but it is expected to be higher than usual this year.

“The department will support schools in their attempts to achieve fair grades for their students. We are also monitoring the developments in the UK, where there are calls for an independent inquiry. If the situation alters we will respond accordingly” said Mr Lundy.

“Each year some young people are unable to follow their chosen course because they do not achieve the necessary grades. This year we will ensure that any student who has been genuinely affected by this debacle is treated sympathetically” he added.