Park Lane Academy

Assessment-Levels of Qualification and Progress

Assessment and Levels of Qualification

As you may be aware, all GCSE subjects are now graded 9-1, as shown in the table below.  Vocational qualifications are awarded Distinction*, Distinction, Merit or Pass.  A level 2 pass is equivalent to a GCSE grade 4.  For vocational qualifications, all students study towards a Level 2 qualification, but in the event of that standard not being reached, a Level 1 can be awarded.

Examinations – all subjects are examined with some form of examination at the end of the year in which they are studied. This means that core subjects are examined at the end of year 11 while option subjects are examined at the end of the year in which they are studied, two in each of Years 10 and 11.  This enables our students to focus on completing two of their GCSEs in year 10, freeing them to choose a further two GCSE subjects in year 11.

Table of 9-1/Grade Equivalents

New grading structure

Former grading structure

9

 

8

  A*

7

A

6

 

5

B

4

C

3

D

2

E

1

F

 

G

U

U

 

A grade 4 is a ‘standard pass’ and a grade 5 a ‘good pass’.  Further information can be found as follows:

https://assests.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachmentdata/file/719124/Grading new GCSEs25.6.2018pdf

Tracking progress

Throughout the courses, students are expected to complete internal assessments.  These are moderated and used to track progress. 

Parents will receive a progress update at least twice a year and have an opportunity to formally discuss progress at an annual Parents Evening. Parents can also contact the school to discuss progress via Mr Ansell (Assistant Principal), Mrs Otterburn (Assistant Principal), or Mrs Schofield (who will be the Head of Year 10 in September 2021).  Similarly, the academy will contact parents where there are concerns regarding progress or to celebrate achievement.