'Don't let challenging year detract from achievements' - Praise for South Tyneside students, teachers and parents as A Level results

A-Level uncertainty should not detract from years of hard work, town hall chiefs have said.
Stock image of a student at a laptop as teenagers prepare to learn their A Level resultsStock image of a student at a laptop as teenagers prepare to learn their A Level results
Stock image of a student at a laptop as teenagers prepare to learn their A Level results

Teenagers across the country are receiving their results today, despite having not seen the inside of an exam hall, or even a classroom, for months.

Instead, youngsters are being given grades based on teachers’ predictions and previous test results and coursework performance after the COVID-19 outbreak forced the cancellation of usual assessments.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“This has been a challenging year for young people in South Tyneside,” said Cllr Moira Smith, cabinet member for Children, Young People and Families, at South Tyneside Council.

“They have not had the opportunity to showcase their skills in external exams and many will have been anxious about the outcomes today.

“However, this should in no way detract from the hard work and commitment they have demonstrated throughout their two years of study.

“I would like to place on record my thanks to our school staff and parents and carers who have supported our young people along their journey although, ultimately, it is our students who must take the credit today.

“I wish them well in their future endeavours.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

As well as A-levels, AS-level, BTEC and other equivalent technical qualifications are due to be confirmed today, with every school and college putting their own measures in place for pupils to collect results.

On Wednesday, August 12, the government announced a new ‘triple lock’ measure for anyone who fears their final grade may have been unfairly affected by school closures and exam cancellations imposed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

This could see students who scored higher marks in mock tests before the COVID-19 lockdown allowed to choose those over the grade they are given today.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “Every young person waiting for their results wants to know they have been treated fairly.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“By ensuring students have the safety net of their mock results, as well as the chance of sitting autumn exams, we are creating a triple lock process to ensure confidence and fairness in the system.

“No one wanted to cancel exams – they are the best form of assessment, but the disruption caused by Covid-19 meant they were not possible.”

A message from the editor

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to the Shields Gazette website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.shieldsgazette.com/subscriptions to sign up.

You can subscribe to the newspaper with 20% off here: https://www.localsubsplus.co.uk/.

Thank you.

Related topics: