The pandemic has affected all aspects of life, including education: since March 20, all British schools have been closed, and in 2020 students will not take their regular exams. For students who are not finishing grades, this measure will not be particularly sensitive, but for high school students who have spent the last few years preparing for their final exams, this news is rather sad. But the Ministry of Education, together with the schools and universities, made every effort to find a way out of this difficult situation.
Schools don't work, exams are canceled - what should graduates do?
Instead of final exams, schools will calculate final subject grades taking into account learning activities, current grades, homework, tests and mock exam results. They will be fully equated with GCSE and A-Level results.
The Ministry of Education has developed a standard calculation methodology which all educational institutions in the country will follow. This approach will help avoid unfair grades in schools and colleges. If students do not agree with the results, they will be asked to take the school exams after the quarantine measures are lifted.
At the same time, the Ministry of Education assured students that the calculation methods will be accurate and will fully reflect last year's performance in each subject. For these reasons, they will be recognized as valid and equal to the results of past and future years.
The innovation has been received differently in the community. Paul Whiteman, president of the British Teachers Association, noted that in this situation "there is no perfect solution, but the measures adopted will be the most pragmatic and fair one possible.
Top 7 important questions for the 2020 school year
When will students get their GCSE and A-Level results?
A-Level results will be released on August 13 and GCSE results on August 20. The deadline will allow students to decide if they want to take the exams in the fall. In addition, university admissions committees will receive students' results in a timely manner and will be able to make admissions decisions based on them.
What about other exams?
Students at vocational colleges and other institutions will receive their exam results under the same system: each institution sets its own deadlines.
Will all universities accept exam results in 2020?
Yes, student ratings will be valid and recognized by all institutions.
What should students do at home?
Teachers who have worked with home-schooled students calculate their grades. If this is not possible, students take exams after quarantine is lifted.
Can I take my exams at private testing centers?
No, no testing center is allowed to take the exams.
If a student wants to take the exams in the fall, can he or she get into a university this year?
Those who choose to take the exams in the fall will receive their certificates before Christmas. Students who choose this path should discuss the possibility of admission this year with university admissions representatives privately.
Has the International Baccalaureate also been canceled?
Yes, the IB exams have been eliminated worldwide.
Examinations canceled, as with universities?
- Universities continue to accept student applications for bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs starting this year.
- Some universities in Britain are assuming that the first semester will be taken remotely
- All school exams in Britain such as GCSE and A-Level will be cancelled and their results are taken into account when applying to universities. The Department of Education plans to issue certificates to students based on their actual performance - and universities have no choice but to take this data into account
- About 250,000 students have demanded their money back for the current semester, causing a financial crisis at universities, and now everyone is trying to cut costs
- Oxbridge replaced summer entrance exams with online testing for applicants
- For final year students, universities have offered to take their final exams online or after the pandemic ends.
What is the situation in Great Britain now
The country has developed a 60-page recovery plan, a strategy for overcoming self-isolation with specific goals and dates, but its content is subject to change if the situation requires it. May 16 in the UK:
- Confirmed cases of coronavirus infection: 233151
- New cases: 3446
- Deaths: 33614.
The process of returning to normal life will take place in several stages. From May 13 the British will gradually return to work, from June 1 educational institutions are scheduled to open, and sports and cultural events will be allowed behind closed doors and with a limited number of participants. Presumably from July 4 cinemas, hairdressers and restaurants will start working, all in accordance with health regulations and with a positive development. Schools are scheduled to open for 1 month, then for the summer break.
