The Isle of Man Government would like to highlight an issue that has emerged today (Tuesday 11 August) in the awarding of Cambridge International IGCSE English Language grades to students at some of the Island’s secondary schools.
Following the cancellation of exams due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the process used by exam boards to award grades this year has changed. This year it is determined by evidence based teacher assessment grades (Centre Assessed Grades) and statistical standardisation processes.
Following today’s grades some schools will be appealing the process used by Cambridge International Assessment (CIA) to award grades based on the exam board’s process to balance this year’s results with previous years.
It would appear that the data set used by the awarding body may not have taken into account the full range of historical data available for some of the Island schools.
The Isle of Man Government will work with schools to support this process.
Dr Alex Allinson MHK, Minister for Education, Sport and Culture, said:
‘I am angry that the hard work of our young people has not been adequately reflected in the grades published today. Students on the Isle of Man have been through several months of uncertainty and loss and this is the last thing they and their families need.’
‘We are working closely with headteachers to challenge the results which have distressed many pupils and their families.’
Results released by Cambridge International Assessment give an incomplete picture for most students. Full Level 1 and 2 results will not be available until 20 August.
