Information about exams and assessments 2022
We hope you are enjoying the start of the new academic year with us.
As the first half term is coming to a close, we felt this was an opportunity to let you know about the assessment plans in place for the qualifications you are studying.
These plans are set by Qualifications Wales, the independent organisation responsible for regulating general and vocational qualifications in Wales.
Summer 2022
GCSEs, AS and A levels, and the Skills Challenge Certificate qualifications
WJEC and the other examination boards have made changes to the qualifications for summer 2022. There is information about these changes available on WJEC’s website.
For English-based exam boards you can get the latest information from the JCQ website.
These changes are in place because of the disruption to your learning caused by the pandemic. They are different in each qualification and will help you to focus your time when it comes to preparing for your exams next summer.
How will GCSEs, AS and A Levels, and the Skills Challenge Certificate qualifications be assessed and graded in summer 2022?
The plan is for examinations to take place next summer. This means that you should be assessed as usual in your subjects.
The grading process needs to be as fair as possible to everyone and reflects the disruption to teaching and learning that you have experienced to date and may also experience this year. So, for summer 2022, the approach will be the same for you as other parts of the UK.
This is also important so that you have qualifications that are of equal value to those taken by learners from other parts of the UK so that you can move on to the next stage of education or career.
What happens if GCSE, AS and A Level exams cannot go ahead in summer 2022?
We expect exams to take place as planned and they will only be cancelled in exceptional circumstances. But, if the exam series is cancelled, then the following backup plan will be put in place.
Backup plan – your lecturers will be asked to award your grades based on your work in assessments across the qualification throughout the year. By the end of November 2021 we will tell you what assessments we might use.
Summer 2022
What is happening with vocational qualifications?
It is planned for vocational qualifications to be assessed as usual this year. You will complete the appropriate assignments as part of your course.
If all or part of your vocational qualification is assessed by exam, these will go ahead as planned. However, if any of the exams are cancelled, a backup plan will be put in place.
Backup plan – where possible the exams will be rescheduled for later in this year. If this is not possible, your lecturers will be asked to award your grades based on your work in assessments across the qualification throughout the year.
We completely understand that you may have concerns with the return to exams and we will support you every step of the way.
You can read the full letter to learners from Qualifications Wales here.
If you have any questions or concerns, please chat to your tutor.
Nikki Neale
Director of Curriculum and Quality