As an online provider, we are happy to say that we are operating as normal with only a few minor adjustments that the LearnOnline Team have had to make whilst working remotely!
We are really pleased to say that we have continued to support our existing students and welcome new learners each week.
The main impact that the pandemic had on us and our learners has been the cancellation of exams. This has been devastating news to many students across the UK who have worked hard to sit their written exams.
In lieu of exams centres were asked to provide a Centre Assessed Grade (CAG) for each student. For private candidates and online learners this left uncertainty on whether they would be able to receive a CAG due to the nature of their learning.
We are really proud to say that we were able to help as many as we could, including:
* We were not able to support everyone, but a few who had private tutors or were with other online providers we were happy to support.
Since exam cancellations were announced on 4th January there has been a lot of speculation as to how grades will be assessed for summer 2021 entry. Guidance from Ofqual was announced 25th February. If you are online learner you will have received announcements via the online platforms, private candidates have been contacted.
You can also find some questions and answers below.
The LearnOnline Team continue to work remotely for the foreseeable future, however this should have little or no effect on your experience with us. Your course tutors often work remotely so they are more than used to this situation, some are having to work with their families at home too, but this does not seem to have affected their performance to date, although we do ask for understanding if our response times are slightly delayed or at strange times of the day!
We do not know how social distancing measures might change things long term, but we will continue to work as we have been, ensuring all of our staff and students remain safe and well.
We ask that our existing students continue to study as normal and submit their tutor marked assignments regularly, if you leave uploads all to the last-minute marking will take longer.
For anyone wishing to enrol onto our courses we hope that you will see the way we have managed this so far and be confident we will be able to support your learning ventures with us, you will be welcome!
Any students who wished to receive IGCSE, AS level or A level grades in summer 2021.
Teacher Assessed Grades (TAGs) will be given to the exam board in lieu of you sitting exams. This is similar to what happened in 2020, however the Government have removed the algorithm to calculate the final grade for students.
What has been put in place instead of exams in summer 2021?
Teacher Assessed Grades (TAGs) will be given to the exam board in lieu of you sitting exams. This is similar to what happened in 2020, however the Government have removed the algorithm to calculate the final grade for students.
How can I get a grade?
*if you have not entered with a centre, but it is clear you were planning to complete your course in 2021 contact us and we will discuss your options.
*75% is approximately 2 thirds of the entire course, we may be in contact with specific courses to direct you to study certain topics in the course, which may be more beneficial to complete. If you have been studying the course as directed this completion should be achievable.
Why won’t I get a grade?
What if I have not completed the work due to unforeseen/personal circumstances?
We will be willing to discuss this on a case by case basis, but it important to understand that as an online provider we are limited to how much flexibility we can offer.
What evidence is used to create my grade?
Do I have to submit my Non-Exam Assessment?
Yes. The Non-Exam Assessment (NEA) will not be moderated by the board, but it is strongly advised you still submit it, even if only partially complete.
You need to email ‘Cesca directly if you are unable to submit your NEA at all.
Will my science practical endorsement result be entered?
If you have attended a science practical endorsement for A level we can enter the result alongside your TAG.
What do I do if I am entered by another exam centre?
We will liaise with your exam centre and agree to provide tutor work evidence based on the above, however we do understand that timeframes may differ slightly.
Each entering centre will have their own set of rules, which you must adhere to in order to receive the grade. We are unable to intervene on their procedures or fees.
Contact ‘Cesca directly to give the following details:
Can I transfer my entry to Pembrokeshire College from another exam centre?
No, unless the centre you have been entered with is not able to accept the TAG from us, you cannot transfer to us.
Can we provide you with a TAG?
For those who are 100% home-educated by parents or carers we are exploring the possibility of setting a series of past papers, which would be completed within a set timeframe and marked by one of our online tutors along with written statement and evidence of work from the parent/carer. This option is not guaranteed, as we would need to understand numbers this applies to and if we have the resource and ability to carry this out.
Another option for those who are 100% home-educated may be to explore exam centres who are in a better position to support private candidates in this situation.
What do we do now?
You may have been in contact already to explain your situation, but now we know the process, can you please make contact with your education providers/tutors and get their agreement, then email me directly with the following details:
If you are 100% home-educated contact me to discuss further and we will see what is possible for you.
You can defer to sit written exams in Autumn 2021. If an online student we will keep your account active until you have completed your exams in the Autumn series.
Exam entry fees will be retained for this entry.
For online learners: if you wish to defer to Summer 2022, but your access is due to end before then, we can discuss an extension fee.
If you wish to defer to Summer 2022 or cancel your exam entry completely, we will issue a refund for the exam entry*.
*For access arrangement fees we cannot refund, but your assessment will be kept on record for future exams.
Results will be emailed to you as early as we can and then result slips posted at the end of the above days.
Students will be able to appeal their grade.
No, if you are not already a student with us we will not allow entry for Summer 2021.
No, we cannot take any more entries for private candidates at this time.
You are welcome to contact us, via email in the first instance. We wish to support as many as we can, but the decision we make must be accepted.
“I hope you know how much I have appreciated everything you have done for us. You have been totally FAB through the whole process” Parent – online learner & private candidate
“I cannot express to you how grateful we are for your continued efforts on behalf and the fact that you are taking progression seriously at your own (and your school’s) inconvenience and at very little monetary charge.
We will forever be grateful for what you are doing for and thank goodness that we found Pembrokeshire College.” Parent – private candidate
“Thank you so much for all of your help – you’ve kept us sane these past few years.” Student – online learner
“I really appreciate all the support, effort and help you and Pembrokeshire college have made to support home Ed students. I am aware from home Ed groups that many children have not been as fortunate as .” Parent – private candidate
“Thank you so much for looking after all this. We are very grateful for all you and have done to support in studying his favourite subject.
“We are very happy with the service we have received from your school” Parent – online student
Please contact the LearnOnline team for more details
Phone: 01437 753 490
Email: online@pembrokeshire.ac.uk
