AQW 2519/22-27 Written question to the Minister of Education
To ask the Minister of Education to outline the (i) rationale; and (ii) consultation undertaken with key stakeholders, regarding the decision to change the date for the Modular exams for GCSE English and Maths from January 2023 to November/December 2022.
Asked by Andrew Muir MLA on 30 June 2022
- Answered
- Written
- Priority
- Tabled
- 30 June 2022
- Answer due by
- 6 July 2022
- Answered
- 6 July 20226 days after tabling
- Department
- Department of Education
- Priority question
- Yes
Answer
Both January 2021 and January 2022 have been extremely difficult in regard to the public health context. Consequently, scheduling the exams for November/December reduces risk of cancellation.
My officials consulted with a wide range of educational stakeholders, including school leaders, young people and trade unions, to help inform my recent decisions for the awarding of CCEA qualifications in 2022/23. All post-primary leaders were also asked to complete an online survey on the proposed arrangements. The majority of respondents were in favour or had no preference in regard to the re-scheduling of the winter GCSE series.