NDCS have updated their blogs on exams in light of the announcements of the previous few days.
For professionals:https://www.ndcs.org.uk/blog/exams-coronavirus-info-for-professionals-supporting-deaf-young-people/
For families: https://www.ndcs.org.uk/blog/exams-coronavirus-info-for-families-of-deaf-children/
As many of us know, across the UK, teacher assessed grades will now be used if the exam body calculated grade (following moderation) is lower. This will be good news for many students.
However, it may not be the end of the story for some deaf young people. NDCS remains concerned about the risk that some deaf young people may be unfairly disadvantaged by teacher grades. This may be the case if, for example:
- Teachers did not seek or incorporate any advice or input from peripatetic Teachers of the Deaf
- Teachers based their grade on previous mock exams or coursework without taking into account if these were accessible or appropriate to deaf young people
Please do encourage any deaf young people who are concerned about their results to get in touch with NDCS helpline: https://www.ndcs.org.uk/our-services/services-for-families/helpline/ to see if NDCS can provide information or advice.