Today, teenagers all over the country will be getting their GCSE exam grades results and whether they’re pleased or disappointed with them it will take time for all of us to understand what they really mean. This is because this summer, the DfE’s much-talked-about transition of GCSE exam grades from letters (A*- G) to numbers (9-1) will commence with English and Maths initially, to be followed by 20 other subjects in 2018 and most others coming on board in 2019.
The change from letters to numbers coincides with a change in GCSE exams which the government has said will be more “rigorous” and better enable universities and employers to differentiate between results and therefore student attainment and ability.
However, the new 9-1 grading does not directly correlate to the A*- G system because the new system is made of 8 grades and the old of 9, therefore making it difficult for universities and employers to understand what the grades mean. For example the A* grade will be replaced with the number 9, the equivalent of an A**.
To further complicate matters because subjects are being phased in to the new grading system over 3 years, students will find themselves in the first two years, with a mixture of A* – G and 9-1 grades which is bound to create further confusion.
So, a student will have Maths, English Language and English Literature graded between 9 and 1 yet won’t be able to compare these results accurately with their results in any other subjects as they will still be graded A*- G. What’s more, as there is no agreed equivalent in the new numbering system for college/sixth form entry level ‘C’ grades, there is bound to be differentiation between how institutions will apply selection criteria.
The point of exam grading is to enable educational institutions and employers an equal playing field and measuring system. It seems that it will be a while before the number grading system brings this about. And the question in the meantime is, just how many young people will lose out on opportunities that should rightfully be theirs?
You can read what the Department for Education has to say about the new GCSE exam grades here.
If you’re a teacher reading this and thinking about your return to school in September, you might be interested in our free, accredited CPD, some of which you can take online.
Are you a Key Stage 4 English or Maths Teacher? What kind of grades have your students got? Do you think they are a rightful and fair reflection of your students’ ability and application? How do your students and colleagues feel about them?
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