We know that OxfordAQA schools are very keen to return to a "business as usual" external exam series for the November 2021, January 2022 and May/June 2022 series - and so are we!
We also know, however, that there have been enormous challenges for teachers and students throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. In recognition of this, we made changes to the exam and assessment arrangements for students taking their exams in November 2021, January 2022 and May/June 2022.
These changes are designed to make assessments more accessible to students, whilst at the same time ensuring the qualifications remain valid and meaningful.
We also made the following changes for the November 2021, January 2022 and May/June 2022 exam series for the subjects below.
On Paper 1, candidates can choose whether to answer the prose fiction or drama question - they are no longer required to answer both.
Part 1 of the Speaking text (the photocard) has been removed; candidates only need to complete Part 2 (the general conversation). This is to allow remote Speaking assessments to take place if required.
We are providing formulae sheets to schools so students can familiarise themselves with them. They will also be provided in the November 2021 and May/June 2022 exams. The formulae sheets give the relevant formulae on page 39 in our International GCSE Mathematics specification document, listed as 'formulae which need to be known'.
International GCSE Mathematics Formulae Sheet - Core
International GCSE Mathematics Formulae Sheet - Extension
We know that our internationally recognised qualifications are the key for students to access universities and workplaces across the world. Therefore, it is essential that students receive the grades they have worked so hard towards, despite the challenges of the pandemic.
Of course, the fairest way to do this is to ensure every student has the same chance to show what they can do, in the same way. However, if examinations can’t take place, we know that in many situations, it is not feasible for students to wait until the next exam series.
We are therefore able to confirm that where exams cannot take place in May/June 2022 due to COVID-19-related government restrictions in a country or region, we will align with the approach adopted in 2021 in England. Students’ grades would be determined using a teacher assessed grade (TAG) approach, similar to that used in our May/June 2021 series. This exceptional contingency process ensures there is no risk of students being left behind in May/June 2022 and would only occur if a local authority has instructed that exams cannot take place at a regional/country level. A school cannot choose to switch to TAGs. If a student is absent for an exam when the exam is taking place as normal, then our standard procedures for absent candidates will be used.
Detailed information on how TAGs would be determined in May/June 2022 will be published if exams in a region are cancelled but the evidence base that will inform your decisions will be very similar to last year. At that point, we would provide comprehensive support and guidance to affected centres, just as we did last year. In the meantime, teachers should continue to teach and assess their students as they would throughout the year and keep the evidence they would use to determine TAGs, in case they are needed.
Like you, we are driven by the desire to allow every student to show the best they can do. As always, our Fair Assessment approach continues to be at the heart of everything we do, and every decision we make. Although the challenges of the pandemic continue, we are committed to supporting you and your students every step of the way in 2022.
If you have any questions, please contact your local Qualifications Consultant or email us.
This document provides guidance on advance information for November 2021, January 2022 and May/June 2022 examinations.
The following PDF guidance documents detail the advance information for the OxfordAQA International GCSE exam series in May/June 2022.
The following PDF guidance documents detail the advance information for the OxfordAQA International AS and A-level exam series in May/June 2022.