QUALIFICATIONS Wales has published a consultation document setting out how, in the absence of exams, this year’s GCSE, AS and A level grades will be standardised across the country and how the appeals process will work.

The regulator wants all interested parties to examine its proposals and submit their views before the new arrangements are finalised.

“Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. Summer 2020 will be proof of that on so many fronts, including education,” Chief Executive Philip Blaker said.

“Given the decision to close schools and cancel exams as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, establishing new arrangements for this summer is essential to enable learners to receive their grades fairly so that they are able to progress to the next stage of their lives, whether that is further study, training or employment.”

Grades will be based on centres’ judgements of each learner’s attainment, which will then be standardised across centres drawing on a range of other evidence.

The consultation is seeking views on two key aspects of arrangements for summer 2020.

The first being aims which will underpin the statistical standardisation model that will be used for the award of grades for learners taking the affected qualifications. This will be developed and used by WJEC to ensure that grades submitted by centres across Wales are judged at the same level.

And the second being the specific appeals process that is needed for the 2020 summer exam series given that papers will not be marked in the usual way.

“We are keen to hear all views and feedback,” said Mr Blaker. “There are no perfect solutions and we are conscious that these proposals may be seen as less desirable than the normal arrangements.

“Where people disagree with the proposals that we are making and have viable alternatives or suggestions for improvement, we would encourage those contributions.”

This consultation covers GCSEs, AS and A levels and the Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate that are developed in Wales by WJEC and regulated by Qualifications Wales.

The consultation is open from Tuesday 28 April and closes at 5pm on Wednesday 13 May. Full details, including how to respond, can be found on the Qualifications Wales website.