Lyttle says impact of disrupted learning for pupils must be mitigated

Alliance Education spokesperson Chris Lyttle MLA has said the impact of disrupted learning for pupils must be mitigated, after the Education Minister confirmed schools here will calculate GCSE, AS and A-Level grades for students.

Peter Weir told the Assembly exams body CCEA would then review the grades. It marks a difference from the 2020 method of an algorithm. Mr Lyttle, Chair of the Assembly’s Education Committee, said questions still remained over the proposals.

“The consequences of last year’s algorithm-based grading fiasco for GCSE, AS and A-Level exams are still being felt,” said Mr Lyttle.

“The Education Minister needs to outline how he plans to mitigate the impact of out of school learning on students ahead of these assessments, which have significance for further and higher education pathways, as well as potential employment.

“I welcome this clarity for pupils, parents and teachers, but questions remain. The Minister will attend the Education Committee next week, where he will be asked for further clarity on these arrangements. I hope he is able to outline that.”