Education leaders in Staffordshire have praised students’ resilience, as they pick up their A-Level results tomorrow (Thursday 13 August), and are urging them to stay safe if out celebrating over the next few days.
Traditional A-Level exams did not take place this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, instead, schools and colleges were asked to predict the grades pupils would have achieved if they had sat the exams
Results will be the highest grades out of estimated grades and previous mock exams, with the option of taking a written exam in the autumn, the government announced yesterday. All schools will have communicated to students how to collect their exam results, whether by email, online portal or in person from the school itself.
County Councillor Jonathan Price, Cabinet Member for Education said: “2020 has been a very challenging year for schools and their pupils, especially when it comes to exam results and, more specifically, how they will be calculated.
“Whereas students would normally be awaiting the results of two years of studying, coursework and exams, they are instead waiting on predictions from teachers and mock exam results. The resilience of students and teachers throughout this pandemic has been nothing short of inspiring – whether it’s coping with changes in how lessons are delivered, being separate from friends, to taking on the unenviable task of taking decisions that directly impact people’s future.
“Our young people have a huge amount to offer this county, and are continuing to play an important part in helping to prevent a second peak of infections.
“To every student picking up their A-Level results today, I want to wish them all the best for the future, whether that’s going to university or entering the world of work. This year has been very difficult for everyone, but I am proud of the way Staffordshire schools and students have risen to the challenge.”
Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Care and Wellbeing Dr Johnny McMahon issued a word of caution though to those looking to celebrate their results.
He said: “After a tumultuous year, it is natural for young people receiving their results to want to celebrate their achievements with friends and family.
“However, it is important to remember that Covid-19 is still circulating in our communities, so we must continue to be vigilant, follow the guidelines on social distancing and hygiene, and celebrate safely.
“We have seen how quickly the virus can spread in one Staffordshire pub, where people weren’t following the guidelines and things quickly escalated. It’s is not worth the risk to loved ones, especially those who are elderly.
“Young people in the county have been coping extremely well, and all of those getting their A Level results tomorrow should be rightly proud of their achievements. In the future life will return to normal, but whilst this virus is in our midst, please celebrate with caution, follow the guidelines, and keep yourselves, your friends and your family safe.”
The guidance is to:
- Wash your hands regularly
- Limit your contact with people not in your household
- Stay at home when you can. If you do need to go out keep your distance – 2m ideally
- Wear face coverings on public transport
- Self-isolate for ten days and book a test if you have symptoms
- Self-isolate for 14 days if you have been contacted by the NHS Test & Trace Service and told you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive.
You can find out more information at www.staffordshire.gov.uk/coronavirus
