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UK government U-turns over exam results fiasco

Exam Results - Level 4

The U.K. has made a U-turn over its exam grades for students hoping to get into university. The government used a controversial algorithm to determine grades after COVID-19 cancelled exams. The algorithm failed. It gave students lower grades than those predicted by teachers. Many of them did not get into university as a result. Most affected students live in poorer areas. Grades for many richer students were higher than predicted.

The algorithm is now a scandal. Students are angry. They said the government was grossly incompetent for ruining their dreams and future. One person said the algorithm was for the elite. After a major government U-turn, grades will now be based on teachers' predictions. The UK Education Secretary apologised for the "distress" young people feel. He said the U-turn, "will now provide the certainty and reassurance [students] deserve."

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Exam Results - Level 5

The U.K. has made a U-turn over its exam grades system for students hoping to attend university. The government used a controversial algorithm to determine the grades of students who did not take exams due to COVID-19. The algorithm failed and gave students grades that were lower than those predicted by teachers. About 40 per cent were downgraded. Most affected students live in poorer areas. Many of them did not get into university as a result, despite not taking an exam. Grades for many richer students in private schools were higher than predicted.

The algorithm is now a scandal. Parents and students are furious. They called the government grossly incompetent for ruining the dreams and future of England's young people. One person said the algorithm was designed by the elite for the elite. After a major government U-turn, grades will now be based on the predictions of teachers. The UK Education Secretary said: "I am sorry for the distress this has caused young people and their parents but hope this announcement will now provide the certainty and reassurance they deserve."

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11 online activities    |    8-page printable   (PDF)

Exam Results - Level 6

The United Kingdom has made a U-turn over the system it used to award exam grades for students hoping to attend university. The government had decided on using a controversial algorithm to determine the grades of students who were unable to take exams due to COVID-19. The algorithm gave students results that were a grade or two lower than the results predicted by teachers. About 40 per cent of the final results were downgraded. The results hit the headlines as the scores for students who live in poorer areas were downgraded. Many of these students did not get into university as a result, despite not taking an exam. Scores for richer students attending private schools were higher than predicted.

The algorithm turned into a scandal for the government as it was accused of favoring the rich. Parents and students were furious with the government for what they saw as gross incompetence and for ruining the future, dreams and aspirations of England's young people. One commentator said the algorithm was designed by the elite for the elite. In its latest U-turn, the government announced that grades will now be awarded based on the predictions of teachers. Gavin Williamson, the UK Education Secretary, said: "I am sorry for the distress this has caused young people and their parents but hope this announcement will now provide the certainty and reassurance they deserve."

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25 online activities    |    27-page printable    |    2-page mini-lesson