An update on further adaptations to Cambridge Nationals and Cambridge Technicals

As we get near to the end of term, we know you want clarity on further adaptations for our Cambridge Nationals and Cambridge Technicals.

We’re sorry we’re not yet in a position to give you all the information you want, although we’re still in discussions with the DfE and with Ofqual on the final details. We will provide you with updated information on further adaptations we can put in place as soon as possible. We are truly sorry for this frustrating delay and we really appreciate your patience at this time.

While we have not been able to give you the full picture we had hoped to today, we’re committed to giving your learners ‘deferred assessed grades’ for summer 2020 to ensure disruption is taken into account. We will provide a deferred assessed grade for unit assessments that your learners were due to take in summer 2020 but were not able to as exams were cancelled. This includes where an entry for the unit was withdrawn or, due to disruption, the unit entry was missed. Under Ofqual’s Extraordinary Regulatory Framework, the deferred assessed grade will contribute to awarding at the end of the course so learners can achieve a qualification. See our FAQs for more detail.

In the meantime, you’ve been asking us about the DfE measures on exams in 2021, such as advance notice, and if they apply to Cambridge Nationals and Cambridge Technicals. As the DfE’s measures were announced with general qualifications in mind, we’re putting in place adaptations that best support our VTQs. These need a different focus.

However, we’re pleased to confirm that when it comes to the DfE measure on ‘generous grading’, we are using this approach for Cambridge Nationals and Cambridge Technicals throughout 2020-21. Here’s our summary of how the DfE measures for general qualifications apply to Cambridge Nationals and Cambridge Technicals:

Summary of DfE measures for general qualifications

Does it apply to Cambridge Nationals and Cambridge Technicals?

Generous grading in summer 2021, in line with national outcomes in summer 2020

Yes. We will use the same generous grading approach to awarding of Cambridge Nationals and Cambridge Technicals this year. This includes November 2020 and January 2021.

Advance notice of (some) topic areas to appear in GCSE, AS and A Level exams to support learners in their revision

This is not a measure aimed at Cambridge Nationals and Cambridge Technicals. It does not suit the fact that most of the course is moderated, not examined, and would disadvantage learners taking our exams outside the June 21 series.

Exam aids – such as formula sheets - will be provided on the day of exams in some subjects

We already provide some aids, such as a formula booklet in Level 3 Cambridge Technicals Engineering, and will continue to do so to support your learners taking our assessments.

A contingency exam series shortly after the main summer 21 exams giving learners who miss the series due to illness or self isolation a second chance to take a paper

This is not a measure designed for Cambridge Nationals and Cambridge Technicals as the majority of the course is moderated, not examined. We will continue to encourage learners to take the next available assessment, and if a learner is not able to do that, to offer Special Consideration.  

A new expert group to look at differential learning loss

Yes. The work of the expert group will cover VTQs as well as general qualifications.

 

We look forward to being in touch as soon as we can. Thank you again for your patience.