Dear Parents/Guardians,
We are pleased to report that Examination boards are committed to running examinations this Summer, where it is permitted and safe to do so. This includes Cambridge International, Pearson Edexcel (International and UK domestic) and AQA.
In the exceptional circumstance that examinations cannot go ahead, students’ grades will be determined using an evidence based approach. Evidence will be collated in the form of a portfolio for each student, which is marked and graded by the exam board.
Whilst it remains doubtful that our students will need to utilise this approach, it would be remiss of us not to plan for this contingency. We have been acutely aware that there may be a need for evidence once again this year, should exam boards, or indeed Hong Kong authorities issue directives in relation to examination cancellations. Therefore, teachers are actively retaining appropriate evidence for students, in anticipation of this.
We would appreciate your support in ensuring that your son/daughter is suitably prepared for assessments throughout this term and into term 3, that may contribute to their portfolio. Assessments that may be deemed significant by subject teachers will be communicated in a timely manner to the students, to afford ample preparation time. In the case of International A Levels, modular examinations undertaken to date will contribute towards final qualification grade awarding – as is typical for the respective qualification. Coursework items will also contribute to portfolio evidence in applicable subjects.
Similar to last year, there are a series of adaptations available across particular subjects (depending on the nature of the subject) which we can utilise – for example, IGCSE/A level Physical Education, where, for reasons related to the pandemic, candidates have been unable to compete in competitive sports fixtures. Adaptations may include adjustments or exemptions to particular components. If we believe that it is in the best interests of the candidates to apply for such adjustments/exemptions then this will be communicated to students and parents.
With a view to ensuring that students have had ample opportunities to present their best assessment efforts, we are planning to hold an additional assessment week for the students from *14th-18th March 2022 (*final details to be confirmed). This will provide the students with another formal opportunity to complete an assessment(s) that can contribute to their portfolios if required or support preparations for their final examinations.
We will be sharing final summer examination timetables with students after the Chinese New Year break.
In the meantime, if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Kind regards,
Peter Roberts
(Deputy Head of Secondary, Academic)