Guernsey students in "stronger position" for exams

Thursday 11 June 2020

Lockdown measures have had a major impact on Guernsey's students, particularly those working towards their GCSEs or A Levels, but schools are reassuring students they "won't be disadvantaged" by the pandemic.

School closures meant weeks of studying from home for most of the island's students, the majority of whom have only returned to school this week.

Although pupils of all ages were sent work and online lessons, many older students feel they missed out on face-to-face time with their teachers and are concerned about the impact it could have on their exam results next year.

Headteacher of the Grammar School & Sixth Form Centre, Kieran James, said reassuring students in Years 10 and 12 is a top priority for the staff.

"The key message for Guernsey students is they're going to be in a stronger position than their peers in the UK, because they're back at school," he explained. "Their peers in the UK are only going back into school on a very limited basis, whereas our students are back in full-time with their lessons and with their teachers, so they’re actually in a relatively advantaged position.

Pictured: Kieran James.

*Secondly, I cannot see how next year’s examinations won’t factor in the disrupted learning that’s been taking place over this year. And indeed, we don’t know how long this is going to continue nationally.

*Our students are taking international qualifications as well; both the IB courses and international A Levels and GCSEs, so the global situation will mean the exam bodies will have to factor that in.*

Mr James said the school had been contacted by Ofqual - the UK regulator of qualifications and exams - which assured that students wouldn't be disadvantaged because of covid-19.

However, those leaving school this year are likely to have a different experience to the students who came before them. But, during the last media briefing, Deputy Gavin St Pier said this was being considered by the States.

"The fact that we’ve been able to restart our own domestic economy more quickly than we might reasonably have been expecting is good news for the domestic economy, jobs and therefore job opportunities that will follow for school leavers this year," he commented.

"The impact on those that are looking to go on to higher education and whether they’ll be able to do that this year in the normal way is clearly a factor as well."

National and international uncertainty continues to cause concern for some students planning to head off to university this September, with many schools having to adapt their way of life.

"It is very important that we do consider future generations and the States is under resolution to do that," added Deputy Heidi Soulsby. "The recovery plan is all about getting feedback from the community and the younger generation to understand what it is that will support them in the future."