Simon Thomas AM
Plaid Cymru Shadow Education Minister Simon Thomas AM has demanded answers from the Welsh Government over unexpectedly low GCSE English grades in the January module examinations.
Head teachers have been shocked by the unexpectedly low GCSE English Languages grades which are out of step with their own staff’s expectation.
Welsh government has confirmed that 117 schools have experienced at grades at least a half of a grade out of step with expectations.
The Shadow Education Minister tabled an emergency question to get to the bottom of the latest debacle.
The Party of Wales Mid and West AM Simon Thomas, speaking in the Senedd said:
“This is the second time the Welsh Government as the Welsh exam regulator has been caught short.
“Confusion now reigns. The First Minister told us that the new marking followed more rigorous standards in spelling and grammar yet the Education Minister told us on Friday that there hand been no re-calibration of standards. Both can’t be correct.
“Both Ministers talked about a few schools even though the WJEC data has identified 117 institutions which have been effected. I am receiving constant information from head teachers who have demoralised staff and pupils.
“This GCSE in English is the first Wales-made exam in a core subject. Set by the Welsh Government; taught in schools; examined by the WJEC; regulated by the government and marked in Wales.
“It’s been an absolute shambles. Once again the standards, reliability and quality of Welsh examinations are in the headlines. This ill serves our young people.
“Now teachers, parents and pupils don’t understand or know the grade boundaries for the summer exams
“This can only rectify this by remarking, regrading or having everyone to resit. This could mean political interference in exam boundaries, again, which is unpalatable.
“We must move as soon as possible to an independent examinations regulator in Wales. Ministers should never decide grades. The Minister must ask if his department is up to the task of introducing five new GCSEs into Welsh schools. A poor English GCSE grade can change a child’s life. This is too important for the Minister to protect government officials or hide the truth.
