We plan for exams to go ahead in June 2021 where it is permitted and safe. This is the fairest and most accurate way of assessing candidates’ performance.
In countries, and regions of countries, where government directives mean that exams cannot take place, we are switching from exams to school-assessed grades using student work, so that students can progress despite the impact of the pandemic. You can find more information on our school-assessed grades page.
You should try to deliver all exams, coursework, speaking and practical tests according to the syllabus requirements. However, we know that you are facing different challenges in managing teaching, learning and assessment. We have different options available to help you run exams in June 2021.
What is available?
- Guidance — This helps teachers and candidates adapt to the current circumstances. This is available to everyone; you do not need to apply.
- Adjustments — Candidates take the component in a way that is easier to manage. You need to apply to use these.
- Exemptions — Candidates do not take a particular component but still receive an overall syllabus grade. You need to apply to use these.
- Special consideration — We adjust a candidate’s mark to allow for adverse or unexpected circumstances. You apply for this.
There is flexibility in how you use these options. You may choose one or more options for your candidates, but later change to another option if your situation changes. For example, you may have candidates doing a syllabus which has three components:
- Component 1: You apply for an exemption.
- Component 2: Your candidates sit the exam for this component at your centre.
- Component 3: Your centre then closes at short notice because of Covid-19. Candidates are unable to sit the exam for component 3. You apply for special consideration – absent for an acceptable reason.
How do I know which option(s) are best for my candidates?
We appreciate it can be difficult to know which route to grades to choose, or how you can use different options at the same time. To make it easier to see what support is available, this June 2021 area of our website has information about each of the routes to grades (guidance for components, component adjustments, component exemptions and/or special consideration) and, if applicable, how to apply.
There is also an interactive guide to help you understand the routes to grades. Start by choosing one of the options to find out more about how that route works, how to use it, and how you might use other routes alongside it.
There is flexibility in how you use these options. You may choose one or more options for your candidates, but later change to another option if your situation changes.
Scenarios
We know that all our centres and candidates are facing different and changeable situations. The following scenarios are examples of how you might use the different routes to grades, depending on the specific situation your centre and candidates are experiencing.