Coronavirus response update 4th May 2020

A few updates today.

Pearson’s (BTEC) proposed approach to the awarding of results in summer 2020 for vocational, technical and other general qualifications can be found at https://www.pearson.com/content/dam/one-dot-com/one-dot-com/uk/documents/educator/Awarding%20summer%202020%20results%20support%20doc%20final%201.5.2020.pdf?& . As you will see, the proposed method for awarding grades for BTEC Nationals, Firsts, Technicals and Tech awards uses already submitted grades for internally assessed completed units and a centre assessment grade approach for internally assessed units which were due to be completed during March to July 2020. That same approach looks likely for Functional Skills, BTEC Foundation Art and Design, and Core Maths qualifications with centre assessment grades used to arrive at an overall grade for those students. At the college, some of these qualifications are with different awarding bodies (functional skills and Core Maths, for example), but this will a strong steer towards the final position. This will be submitted in response to Ofqual’s consultation which closes on Friday 8th May.

Unfortunately, we do not have any more information on the process NCFE will use for CACHE qualifications. It is unlikely that we will hear anything for certain until after the consultation has closed on the 8th May. We will keep you posted as we find out more.

Also today, there have been some announcements about progression to university for students holding places for the autumn or planning to apply. The Government’s announcement can be found at  https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-support-package-for-universities-and-students. The most important for students are:

• Preventing exploitative admissions practices – The Office for Students will consult on a new temporary registration condition so it can intervene if providers take actions that are harmful to the sector and students. 
• Enhanced Clearing process – UCAS is developing a new, personalised Clearing system for students this summer. This includes Clearing Plus, a new service which matches students to universities or other opportunities based on their achievements and course interests. If students’ calculated grades exceed their predicted ones, it can suggest alternative courses with higher entry requirements.

We will keep you informed of any important announcements about university progression. In the meantime, it is a good idea to encourage your sons or daughters to regularly visit the UCAS website and the universities websites to check for any updates.

And, finally, a reminder that this Friday 8th May is a Bank Holiday, commemorating Victory in Europe (VE) day. The college will be closed.

That’s all for today.

Take care, look after yourself, your families and each other; be patient and stay positive.

Anton