GCSE and A-Level exams cancelled in Northern Ireland
March 04, 2021
Original Article: https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/belfast-news/gcse-level-exams-cancelled-northern-19571715
All GCSE, AS and A-level exams are to be cancelled in Northern Ireland, according to reports
It's understood Education Minister Peter Weir is due make an to the assembly later to the assembly.
Some GCSE exams were due to take place next week.
It's reported by BBC the examinations scheduled for January, February and May and June will all be cancelled, but no alternative arrangements have been confirmed yet.
On Tuesday night, Mr Weir had said his priority has always been to ensure that, if at all possible, exams should go ahead as planned.
He said: “My overriding aim is ensure that our students are not disadvantaged in terms of their qualifications compared with other jurisdictions.
"Work is ongoing on this issue as a matter of urgency and I intend to provide further clarity in the next couple of days. Until and unless any announcement is made, students should expect to continue to sit scheduled examinations.”
Principal of Bangor Academy and Sixth Form College Matthew Pitts also issued an "urgent exams update" to parents this morning.
Due to the current situation, he said he had made the "decision to cancel all of the exams scheduled for this week and next".
He added: "This includes BTEC and GCSE. I accept this wont be a popular decision as students have worked really hard to prepare for these exams in very challenging circumstances but my main job is to keep your children safe, and I cannot, with any integrity, ask you to send your children to school when all the latest advice is to remain at home for the safety of all of us and to protect the NHS."
It was also announced on Tuesday night that pre-school education settings, primary and post primary schools will be required to provide remote learning to pupils until the half term break in mid-February.
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