Many of you have asked about whether continued adaptations to delivery models will be possible in 2021/22. We can now confirm that the adaptations and flexibilities allowed in 2020/21 will also be possible in 2021/22, including for our Level 3 Applied General Diploma and Extended Diploma in Art and Design.
We will aim to normalise tutors’ and students’ experiences as much as possible next year, including by visiting centres again where possible. We will facilitate the best innovations from your delivery models, while also anticipating the potential impact of any future disruption caused by Covid.
We understand the urgency of this issue and the need for centres to plan ahead, but it is important that we issue clear and nationally consistent advice. Over the next few weeks, we will be issuing more detailed guidance about the precise circumstances under which adaptations will be permitted, and the degree of blended and online learning that will be possible in 2021/22. Centres can, however, assume a similar degree of flexibility to delivery models as that offered in autumn 2020 will be possible. Additional support will also be made available in the new academic year to ensure centres can deliver with confidence.
Ofqual has recently launched a consultation on the impact of this decision, and we encourage all Centres to reply by 26 July to make sure your voice is heard. Specific consideration is given to the context of vocational and technical students and responses can be submitted online here.
On the separate issue of quality assurance, grading and results next year, we do expect to revert to a more standard approach rather than Teacher Assessed Grades or other emergency models implemented during the pandemic. This is of course dependant on the national public health situation, and we will be working with the DfE and national regulators to plan for a range of scenarios.
