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UAE students 'ecstatic' over revision of A-Level grades

Dubai - Now, several students were relieved as their schools issued advisories about the good news.

UAE students who had been heartbroken over their downgraded A-Level results turned jubilant, after hearing that they can now expect new grades that will be based on their original teacher-predicted marks.
Schools in the country confirmed the decision to award students their centre-assessed grades (CAG) from their teachers, after the UK Government announced the 'U-turn' in the grading method on Monday night.
Prior to the announcement, institutions were dealing with a surge of inquiries from students who faced rejections from their universities of choice because they received downgraded marks. The computer algorithm used by exam regulator Ofqual sparked controversy, and widespread outcry from UK students ensued. Those in the UAE and other parts of the world were equally concerned, with disappointed pupils approaching their schools requesting an appeal.
Now, several students were relieved as their schools issued advisories about the good news. One British-curriculum school in Dubai said: "After the announcement from the UK government last night, they have confirmed the decision to award students their centre assessed grades submitted by the teachers.
"We have currently put on hold any (revaluation) appeals, as we were only going to be able to appeal if centre-assessed grades were higher than the awarded grades and now these grades have been upheld, we should hopefully not need to go through the appeal process."
Students are hopeful again
Madhulika Chatterjee, whose son Neil is a Year 13 student of a British school in Dubai, explained that her child was initially heartbroken. But his now-confirmed admission to the college of his choice and the latest communication from his school lifted his spirits.
"His results were downgraded by 30 per cent as per the statistical modelling method, which obviously made him upset. His first choice was to study economics, politics and international studies at Warwick. His school prediction had indicated A*** but his final results showed ABB. He was clearly disheartened. Warwick seemed to be going out of bounds. But now with CAG being restored, the glimmer of hope has rekindled," Chatterjee said.
Another British parent Tasneem, whose son is a student of Jumeirah College, said her child was in touch with the school to make an appeal for revaluation, but they are glad that it is not required anymore.
"My son received a BCD, which is absolutely unacceptable and varied vastly from his school predictions. So, the results awarded by the board surely do not reflect my son's abilities," Tasneem said.
"My son's preferred choices are Loughborough which is aspirational but Liverpool is his secure choice. We are now glad that he can pursue what he had initially decided," the mother said.
Another Indian mother who wished to remain anonymous said: "I am glad the devalued results are being restored as per grades awarded by the schools. The future of our children were at stake and it plunged their crucial years into uncertainty. This is a very good decision and finally eases our tension as many children were being compelled to even consider a gap year due to lack of decent university choices."
nandini@khaleejtimes.com