Determining final grades for students is the responsibility of the Examination Board, and it is a vital process that requires accuracy and care. In the context of implementing the British curriculum, school administrations have informed parents that the IGCSE and A Level exam grades for the summer of 2026 will not rely on a single exam but will instead depend on a comprehensive portfolio that includes multiple academic evidences. Schools will gather this evidence and submit it to examination boards, such as Pearson Edexcel, as part of established alternative assessment mechanisms.
Mechanism for Collecting Academic Evidence
Schools have provided detailed clarifications to parents, explaining that their role is limited to compiling evidence that documents students’ academic performance throughout the academic year. Officials have confirmed that the final decision regarding students’ grades will rest with the Examination Board, which will review each student’s portfolio individually before issuing the final results. This system ensures that each grade results from a comprehensive assessment that guarantees the reliability of the outcomes.
Components of the Evidence Portfolio
Administrations have indicated that the evidence portfolio will not rely on a single element but will include a wide range of academic indicators that reflect the true level of the student. Among these indicators, the evidence will include mock exams, where students must pass current and previous mock tests. These exams will consist of comprehensive papers for each subject, such as Paper 1 and Paper 2, and will be prepared under conditions similar to those of official exams in terms of timing and answering mechanisms.
The Importance of Integrated Performance Assessment
The responsibility of the Examination Board in determining final grades is not limited to assigning marks; it aims to achieve academic fairness. Relying on a comprehensive portfolio ensures that the results are not affected by exceptional circumstances or a single test. This system enhances the integrity of the assessment and reflects the seriousness of students in their educational journey.
In light of these arrangements, the student’s path toward achieving final grades becomes more comprehensive and transparent, contributing to enhancing parents’ confidence in the British education system. Assessment based on precise criteria ensures that students’ grades accurately reflect their true abilities and determine their future academic pathways.