A-levels 2021 News and Medical School Requirements
Students in England sitting GSCEs and A-levels will be given extra support for next summer’s exams.
Update January 2021: GSCE and A-level examinations have been cancelled for 2021. This article will be updated once more details become available on how the teacher assessed grades will be allocated.
What extra support is being provided?
The government has previously announced that next summer’s exams will be delayed by three weeks to maximise the teaching period. On 3rd December 2020, further measures were introduced in recognition of unprecedented disruption to education caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The following extra measures will be implemented:
- Grades will be awarded more generously so that students sitting exams this year are not disadvantaged.
- The level of generosity given will be fair across the different subjects. Therefore, your choice of subjects will not advantage or disadvantage you.
- In January, you will receive details on exam topics so that you can focus your revision.
- For some exams, you will be allowed to take exam aids like formula sheets.
- Students who are clinically vulnerable will be able to sit exams at home.
What happens if I miss my assessment due to COVID-19?
If you miss an assessment due to COVID-19 (illness/quarantine/self-isolation), the following contingency measures will be in place:
- If you miss one or more exams but have completed a part of qualification, you will receive a grade.
- If you miss all assessments in a subject, a contingency paper will be available after the main exams.
- For exceptional circumstances where you miss all your papers, a ‘validated teacher informed assessment’ can be used.
- Further details will be provided in 2021.
This is a welcoming move that gives students and parents a clearer idea of how different circumstances will be considered and arrangements will be made.
Formative mock exams are even more important now
As seen above, you may end up in a situation where you may miss an exam but still be awarded a grade based on the past performance. This places even greater emphasis on the formative assessments and therefore, you should aim to perform well consistently throughout the year.
If you haven’t already done so, read our blog article on 8 A-levels Study Techniques You Need to Know.
Do you need extra support for your A-levels?
We’ve partnered with SnapRevise, which offers interactive learning materials and personalised support for the following A-level subjects:
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What A-levels Are Required for Medicine?
Most medical schools require AAA grades but each have different subject requirements, which can get confusing. Find out exactly what each medical school requires below.
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