Since the schools went back in September after being closed to most pupils from March this year, I have been aware of the anxieties of students who are facing 'big exams next year. Parents and students have raised their concerns about the lack of time given to catch up with months of missed learning, while headteachers of all our Brentwood and Ongar secondary schools have asked for clarification on what will happen so they can plan their teaching, revision and remote learning accordingly.
I spoke to Schools Minister, Nick Gibb, last month, and much of what we discussed has been included in a package of exceptional measures to support students taking exams and others assessments next year released by the Education Secretary, Gavin Williams, today.
In summary, exams will go ahead, but grades will be more generous, students will be given advance notice of some topic areas, and steps will be taken to ensure every student receives a grade, even if they miss a paper due to self-isolation or illness.
The Education Secretary has also set out how students should return to universities after Christmas in a safe way to protect their communities and reduce the spread of the virus. Testing started this week for those students heading home for Christmas, and a similar scheme will be offered after the festive break, with every student being offered a rapid coronavirus test upon their return to help identify and isolate those who are asymptomatic but could spread the virus.
