Support offered to GCSE students in England

To limit the impact Covid-19 has had on this year’s GCSE cohort, Ofqual is extending support to certain students. Initially requested by the Department for Education, those studying maths, physics, and combined science will be allowed to use formulae and equation sheets during their exams. As Education Secretary Gillian Keegan explained, this is the last GCSE group to have had Covid-related interruptions during secondary school. As she put it, “it’s right that we recognise that with some additional support.” The Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) is also welcoming the news but does believe students should be allowed to use formulae and equation sheets on a permanent basis. This, argues ASCL general secretary Geoff Barton, would mean a higher focus on skills and knowledge and less stress altogether. Read more here.