The overhaul will see A* to G grades being gradually replaced with a 9 to 1 system, with 9 the highest mark. English and maths are the first to move to the new system, with other subjects following over the next two years.
About two per cent of hundreds of thousands of English language entries by 16-year-olds in England are estimated to score a grade 9, while three per cent of maths GCSEs are expected to gain this result.
One estimate suggests that no more than half of the entries that would have scored an A* in these core subjects will achieve a 9. The move has been made to allow for greater differentiation, particularly between the brightest candidates.
Last year’s results were the best the Island had seen to date with 74.2 per cent of pupils achieving five or more GCSEs at A* to C grades, up almost three per cent from the previous year.
In January a pupil premium scheme – which allocates financial support to children who live in a household that receives income support, or are under the care of Social Services – was introduced in Jersey. It is aimed at improving the GCSE grades of pupils from lower-income families. Around 2,300 pupils were identified as eligible for the scheme.
Jeremy Field, education liaison manager from Careers Jersey, says there is no cause for concern if students don’t receive the results they were expecting.
He said: ‘In the first instance we would ask anyone who has received exam results to speak with their teachers. We have a trained team of careers advisers on hand who can offer further advice and there are plenty of opportunities still open to students who might not receive the results they were expecting. The majority of GCSE students will go on to further education but we can talk about any other options that might be available.’
Several notable Islanders have spoken about their GCSE results in today’s JEP. (Full story on pages 7 and 8).
St Saviour Deputy Jeremy Maçon said that he achieved all As and Bs at GCSE – results that he said gave him confidence for the future after years of bullying.
Deputy Maçon, who said that he suffered from ‘undiagnosed dyslexia’, added: ‘Students should be proud of what they’ve achieved. If they don’t get the grades they were hoping for it’s not the end of the world. There are lots of opportunities out there.’
