A-levels in Wales: Minister makes pledge on this year’s grades

A-level grades in Wales this 12 months shall be no decrease than these the pupils achieved at AS-level the earlier 12 months, the training minister has pledged.

Kirsty Williams made the announcement after England and Scotland modified their grading methods.

If a pupil will get a grade on Thursday beneath their AS grade a revised one shall be issued mechanically, she stated.

Pupils in England are being advised their last outcomes shall be no decrease than their mock exams.

The Scottish authorities introduced on Tuesday that each one pupils would get the grades predicted by academics.

• Examination board says grades shall be ‘balanced and honest’
• Sixth-formers replicate on cancelled exams

This year’s exams have been cancelled throughout the UK due to coronavirus, with governments of the UK having to seek out other ways to evaluate pupils’ efficiency this 12 months.

In Scotland 76,000 pupils had their outcomes upgraded after being lowered by a moderating system which critics claimed was a “postcode lottery” because it linked pupils’ outcomes with their faculties’ previous performances.

Earlier on Thursday, the Division for Training in England introduced a “triple lock” – so outcomes would be the highest out of their estimated grades, their mocks and an non-obligatory written examination in the autumn.

In her assertion, Ms Williams stated the Welsh Authorities had to verify such adjustments “don’t drawback Welsh college students”.

“College students in Wales, and potential employers and universities throughout the UK, may be assured that their A-level grades replicate their work and externally assessed exams,” she stated.

“Nearly half the ultimate grade comes from AS-level exams – this just isn’t the state of affairs elsewhere.

“Subsequently, in constructing on that accomplished work, I’m giving a assure {that a} learner’s last A-level grade can’t be decrease than their AS-grade.

“If a pupil receives a last grade tomorrow that’s beneath that of their earlier AS grade, then a revised grade shall be issued mechanically by WJEC.”