OPINIONS have been divided over the decision to scrap next year's exams in Wales.

The Education Minister Kirsty Williams announced that end of year exams for GCSE, AS and A-Level learners will be scrapped in 2021 and be replaced with teacher assessments.

These will be externally set and marked, but delivered within a classroom environment and under teacher supervision.

The announcement was made after considering advice from Qualifications Wales and discussions with learners, teachers and universities across the UK.

However, opinions have been divided over whether this has been the right decision.

Gemma Clare Yarr said: "I’m devastated that my son Josh won’t get to sit his exams but I understand that it might be the best decision for some people.

"It has been a horrendous year for all students across the UK. A lot of school has been missed and so many students have already had to stay off again due to positive cases within different schools and having to self isolate.

"They don’t know if they are coming and going and it has more than likely affected children and their education in different ways. I personally think there should be an individual choice for each child.

"I know that my son would love to sit his exams and at least try to achieve the best grades that he can. It’s so incredibly sad that it has come to this and I really feel for each an every child who can’t sit their exams next year."

David Cooper said he didn't think it would be a good idea as employers across the UK would favour exam results on CVs.

Dewi Elaine Parry Williams said the system needs to be the same across the UK otherwise Welsh children will be 'disadvantaged' when it comes to getting jobs.

However, Chris Morgan said it was 'absolutely brilliant' and a 'very brave' decision as 'schools have changed since the 1950s'.

School leaders' union NAHT Cymru expressed concerns over exams being cancelled in Wales.

President Ruth Davies said: “It has been announced that pupils will still be given externally set and marked tests, just in the classroom. We can’t see how that isn’t an exam. There is an awful lot of detail still to be determined, and we await further clarification, but we are worried we will end up with exams in all but name.

“The same problems still exist that pupils may not be able to attend school that day, and that the exams will be testing areas that haven’t been able to be taught. We can't have a situation where pupils are assessed on teaching they simply haven't had.

“The academic year 2020-21 needs a shot of realism. It simply isn't going to be the same as other years however much we may wish it to be. We particularly need to be realistic about the amount and quality of teaching time available to students this year, which has been reduced and interrupted and has varied massively."

The National Education Union Cymru welcomed the news as they said it is 'critical we don't have a repeat of what happened this summer'.

David Evans, Wales Secretary of the National Education Union Cymru, said a consistent assessment process must be in place but no extra work should be involved as the 'education system is already struggling'.

He added: "We only have a term and a half for young people before next summer’s grades are awarded. So, we need as much flexibility in the system as possible now, as we know this is not a normal year, and young people will likely have times when they are at home learning.

"In the end, we know that whatever option we chose in Wales, we need a back-up plan in place, which trusts teachers to know their students. The well-being of everyone in the system should be top of mind now."

Plaid Cymru shadow education minister, Siân Gwenllian MS said it was 'absolutely the right decision' but external assessments will 'also be stressful' and there is not a 'level playing field in terms of disruption and digital divide'.

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