Gosport MP, Caroline Dinenage, is encouraging constituents across Gosport, Hill Head, Stubbington and Lee-on-the-Solent to take part in the Department of Education’s consultation on GCSE, AS and A level grade assessments this Summer.
Earlier this month, the Education Secretary Gavin Williamson announced the closure of secondary schools and colleges – apart from for vulnerable children and children of critical workers – following the spread of a new highly transmissible COVID-19 variant and the implementation of national restrictions. As such, on 6th January Mr Williamson confirmed that GCSE, AS and A levels in Summer 2021 would not go ahead as planned.
Following this announcement, Caroline contacted all schools, including early year providers, in the Gosport Constituency to ask for their feedback and concerns to pass to the Department of Education. She has been contacted by parents and pupils who have valid worries about the arrangements for summer 2021.
Caroline commented:
“Over the course of the pandemic I have been in touch with our local educational providers, from meeting primary and secondary Headteachers back in autumn to recently reaching out following the school closure announcement.
“I know that they, parents and pupils have very valid concerns about the education of our children across the Gosport Constituency and the summer 2021 exams.
“I shall continue to make representations on their behalf to Education Ministers, however, today I am also encouraging residents to make their voice heard and take part in the consultation on grade awards for this Summer.”
The consultation will ask members of the public for their views on how GCSE, AS and A level grades should be awarded. It closes on the 29th January at 11.45pm.
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said:
“Fairness to young people has been and will continue to be fundamental to every decision we take on these issues, and I’m determined that despite all the challenges posed by this pandemic, they will not prevent students getting on with and making a success of their lives.
“These proposals should give young people confidence that despite exams being cancelled, they will still receive a grade that reflects their ability. This is quite rightly an issue of great public interest and concern and it’s important that those working in education alongside students, parents and employers are able to have their say.”
You can take part in the consultation here: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/consultation-on-how-gcse-as-and-a-level-grades-should-be-awarded-in-summer-2021
