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<p>It is our firm intention that examinations will go ahead this year. It is of great
importance to give pupils the opportunity to sit their examinations and we have put
measures in place to ensure they can do so fairly.</p><p>We have worked with Ofqual
to put in place several adaptations to support the safe and fair delivery of examinations
in this academic year to recognise the disruption pupils have already faced, and to
account for further disruption. The adaptations being made were welcomed during our
joint consultation with Ofqual and include:</p><ul><li>A choice of topics in GCSE
English literature, history, ancient history, and choice of content in GCSE geography.</li><li>Provision
of advance information which will set out the content focus of examinations in subjects
where there is no choice of topic or content, to be released by 7 February.</li><li>Changes
to the requirements for the delivery of practical assessments in a range of subjects.</li><li>Provision
of support materials such as formula sheets for examinations in GCSE mathematics,
physics, and combined science.</li></ul><p>In balancing public confidence in qualifications
with fairness, Ofqual have also confirmed that 2022 will be a transition year for
grading. Grades will be set at a mid-point between 2021 and pre-pandemic grades. In
2023, Ofqual plans to return to results that are in line with those in pre-pandemic
years<strong>.</strong> This package of adaptations, combined with Ofqual’s approach
to grading, provides unprecedented support to maximise fairness and help pupils reach
their potential.</p><p>Alongside these adaptations, we have announced almost £5 billion
in dedicated education recovery funding, including a further £1.8 billion in the recent
Spending Review. We have made significant investments in areas that evidence tells
us will be the most effective, such as tutoring and teaching, and have directed funding
at the most disadvantaged.</p><p>In the unlikely event that examinations cannot go
ahead fairly or safely, we have contingency arrangements in place and have confirmed
pupils will receive teacher assessed grades instead.</p>
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