Dear parent/carer,

As previously advised, we are now in a position to share with you more precise information on the process we have to follow to submit GCSE grades for students in each subject they study.

We are bound by the regulations and guidance issued by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) which oversees all qualifications in the UK. We have used their model policy and ensured that whilst it follows the guidelines completely, it also fits our school and our processes. This policy has to be submitted to JCQ for approval.

As always, we are working incredibly hard, as are our Year 11 students, to ensure they achieve the best possible grades based on the evidence we have by the end of May. 

Timelines

  • It remains absolutely crucial that all Year 11 students are in school every day until the May Half-Term holiday and continue to work as hard as they can in every lesson.
  • All teacher assessed grades are to be submitted by Friday June 18th 2021 at the latest.
  • Teachers need time to mark the most recent pieces of assessed work so there will be no further timetabled lessons after May half term.
  • Please ensure your son/daughter remains available between Monday 7th and Friday 18th June in case they are required to attend school to complete an assessment they may have missed due to illness or a need to isolate.

Evidence

  • Every subject has to identify a common evidence base that consists of pieces of assessed work that cover the assessment objectives of the course.
  • These pieces of evidence can be taken from across the 2 years of the GCSE course but we expect the most recent work submitted is likely to be some of their best 
  • We can deviate from the common evidence base for students who have missed assessments or performed at a disadvantage due to personal circumstances or illness.
  • Our teachers know our students brilliantly and are currently working on delivering new assessments and identifying those students who may need alternative pieces.
  • We will inform students verbally in lessons what pieces of evidence make up their assessment base and the marks for each individual piece.
  • We CANNOT share the final overall grade that we submit for each subject. Please can I ask that neither yourselves or students ask any teaching staff for this information? We cannot share it.
  • Grades submitted are subject to change as part of the moderation process by exam boards who will submit samples of student work to check that the grades submitted are fair and accurate.

Results Day and Appeals

  • GCSE Results Day is a week earlier this year and will take place on Thursday 12th August 9-10.30am. Students are invited to come along and collect their results from the relevant tutor group table in the hall. Parents are very welcome to accompany their son / daughter.
  • All students will be invited to stay and celebrate with us, and there will be both teaching and support staff on hand to support and advise about Post-16 options.
  • Please find helpful documents explaining the unique grading and appeals process used this year at the bottom of this page.
  • If students have any Covid symptoms or have been told to isolate, they should not come to school but contact us and we will post their results. If students are unable to attend themselves, they may nominate a person to collect their results on their behalf. That person must bring with them written consent from the student with the wording: I give permission for [Name] to collect my GCSE results on my behalf.’ (signed and dated).

We are looking forward to seeing many of you on 12th August and celebrating the students’ hard work and achievements.

Kind regards,

Matt Nicolle      Kate Groocock

Principal Acting      Vice Principal

Useful Links:

Grading Flow Diagram

JCQ Guidance for Students, Parents and Guardians 2021

Redmoor Academy Centre Policy

Grading Evidence Summary 2021

Redmoor Academy Grading and Appeals Information

JCQ Appeals Flow Diagram