GCSE & A Level 2021 Grading Guidance Issued
Help and guidance on grading pupils who should have been sitting their GCSE or A Levels exams in the summer 2021 sitting has been published by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ). Following the announcement by the Government that exams wouldn’t take place, Ofqual determined that teachers would assess the grades. This JCQ guidance is […]
With A Flourish: Looking at success beyond grades with Fabienne Vailes
In previous years a student’s idea of success – and many parents – is the grade they get. Essentially boiling down to how they do in their exams. And there is absolutely no denying that getting good grades is, for many, the key that unlocks the next door. But if this global pandemic has taught […]
Mind The Gap: The problems inherent in ‘catching-up’ With Alex Fairlamb
When we look back at the last year of various lockdowns, it’s easy to see why the usual amount of course content hasn’t been taught. And, with the best will in the world – and heroic teacher efforts across the board – there’s no way that remote learning could be a substitute for being in […]
End Of Year Report: A reflection on 12 months of the podcast with Nathan McGurl
Time flies when you’re having fun. But apparently, it also goes fairly quickly when gripped in a global pandemic, enduring various tiered lockdowns, and a feeling that we’re not so much working from home as living at work. And let’s no get started on remote learning…. It’s hard to believe that it’s been a whole […]
Making The Grade: Determining GCSE and A Level results in 2021 with Simon Lebus
In many subjects, it all hinges on the final exam. Many see them as the culmination of 2 or 3 years worth of study. And, of course, they are often source of great anxiety and often huge relief when they’re finished. However, just like last year, the class of 2021 will not be sitting these terminal exams. […]
Light Touch: The importance of light on development and wellbeing in teens with Dr Shelley James
There’s a universal truth that teens lock themselves away in their darkened bedrooms; headphones on, and within an arm’s distance of a screen – whether that’s a phone, laptop or a video game. This isn’t a new phenomenon. Even with a pre-disposition to languish in their caves; lockdown has curbed what little outside interactions our […]
Ofqual confirms the changes to GCSE, AS and A Level grading in 2021
After months of speculation and consultation, details have been announced for how grades will be awarded in 2021. The Government announced in January that there would be no exams in England for GCSEs, Vocational Qualifications (eg BTEC), AS or A Levels in 2021. Since then Ofqual has conducted a consultation with teachers, professionals, parents and […]
No Hablo Teen: Tips and ideas for learning a language at GCSE with Rebecca Nobes
Growing up in the 80s, there was a real drive to teach children foreign languages at school. It’s something you can still see today with introductory lessons often taking place in primary schools. Although there are fewer students taking GCSEs in modern foreign languages than a decade ago; French, Spanish or German are still popular […]
It’s Behind You: The importance of reflection and communication with Ayesha Murray
There is an insta-perfect perception of remote schooling and revision. It’s the one where parents are casually teaching their children quadratic equations; while perfecting cold fusion as a side hustle. In this world parent and child move in some magical symbiotic harmony. And the kids probably even volunteer to put the bins out. Yeah right! The very […]
Out Of Style: Exploring the ‘Learning Style’ neuromyth and when to bust it with Professor Phil Newton
The idea that we have a ‘best way’ to learn; whether it’s visually, verbally, via touch or one of another 67 ways is not new. At the same time, neither is the research that debunks this theory. Odd then that not only do we as individuals and parents still hold on to this idea but […]