“modifying arrangements in the light of COVID-19 impact”

During November 2020 CAS Assessment working group met three times to discuss issues related to examination and internal assessment and the potential modification of arrangements in the light of COVID-19.

As a result of these meetings the issues we feel need addressing relate to:

• Safeguarding children, for example, where students are asked to provide 1:1 video evidence to authenticate work or engage in online discussions as part of learning activities

• Teacher and student workload, especially if video evidence is to be seen to be necessary)

• Authentication, concerns regards getting it right, ensuring errors are not made when assessing learners’ work

• Access to resources, for learners, teachers and AOs to better support learning and better authenticate work

Although the contact time, potential changes and authentication of work impacts on all key stage 4 computing teachers, the issue of submission of student work for vocational qualifications was subject to the most discussion.

Some disquiet expressed by teachers in social media appears to stem from a perceived criticism that the AOs are not being flexible enough. Our analysis of the situation is that there is an ongoing dialogue between all parties. AOs have engaged with discussion and have listened to teachers’ concerns but are constrained by rules about assessment imposed by the regulators namely, there must be no reduction in subject content, the assessment objectives must be met and the agreement amongst AOs (JCQ) must be respected. Ofqual is listening: they have commissioned surveys and are carrying out consultation exercises, they are in regular communication with the AOs and they have communicated concerns to the DfE.

Taking time can be an advantage. Indeed, changes perhaps should not be instant. It is very difficult to be sure what the circumstances will be like in May when learners’ work is assessed, June when examinations are being taken, July when marking and grade adjustments are made and August when results are published. Importantly, a reaction now to mitigate an issue with one group, say those pursuing a vocational qualification might be seen to be disadvantaging another group.

COVID-19 is impacting in a big way on us all and we recognise that everyone is working in the interests of the learners to mitigate against unfairness and to ensure as many as possible receive a fair and justified award. Inevitably, COVID-19 is increasing our workload, making working conditions less good and impacting negatively on education.

The anger, discontent and frustration felt by many is acknowledged and we recognise the collective energies of classroom teachers, schools and others are being directed to the best interest of our learners, to mitigate their challenges and maximise their performance.

What are CAS members doing?

• providing practical advice and support with authentication of learners’ work

• supporting colleagues through the CAS forum and other social media

• listening to each other and giving personal and professional support

• talking directly with AOs, DfE and Ofqual colleagues

• responding to surveys and consultations put out by CAS, AOs and Ofqual

And, most importantly, supporting our learners.

No matter what the eventual decision from the DfE, Ofqual and AOs, we all want and need as much notice as possible in order to better prepare students to achieve their full potential and ensure they are fairly awarded.

CAS Assessment working group

December 2020