Checkpoint and IGCSE Exams Update

2021 has brought progress in the fight against coronavirus, but it has also presented new challenges to our staff and students. We have seen several countries cancel Checkpoint and IGCSE examinations, our school has had to move back to remote learning, and sadly we have witnessed the impact of Covid-19 on our own community. 

At this point I would like to give you an update on how assessments and examinations are going to progress this year. This is what I can confirm so far: 

• Examinations for Checkpoint and IGCSE will go ahead as planned, as long as it continues to be safe to do so.

• The content and format of the exams will remain the same.

• In-exam aids such as calculators etc. will remain the same.

• The Covid-19 Regulations for exams will remain in place to ensure we can conduct exams in a safe way for everyone.

• Candidates who cannot sit the exams in May/ June 2021 will be able to sit them in November.

• Candidates who become ill and/or have to self-isolate during the exams period will be given special consideration. They will be able to obtain a grade for a subject as long as they have completed at least one assessed component.

• We will be able to withdraw candidates due to Covid-19 and get a full refund even after the exams.

• IGCSE Candidates will be allowed to be exempt from certain components of some subjects. This is only possible if ISL as a centre meets the eligibility criteria of the exam board. 

I would also like to confirm that if it is not safe for us to hold exams due to government regulations, candidates will receive teacher assessed grades (TAGs). The decision whether or not to cancel exams will be made by the exam board through consultation with the Zambian government. 

This means that depending on how the pandemic develops, exams may be cancelled at the last minute. As a centre we have to prepare for both outcomes. 

If exams are cancelled, mock exam grades, formative assessments, student engagement and homework completion will play a huge role in how TAGs are awarded. 

All students need to make sure they are revising consistently for the upcoming mock exams, attend all lessons and submit work on time. 

We continue to work closely with the exam board and we will be able to provide more guidance shortly. In the next two weeks I hope to finalise consultations with the exam board regarding exemptions and TAGs. 

On Thursday, 18 February we will hold a Cambridge Exams Information Evening from 18:00 to 19:00. Please feel free to join the google meet if you have any questions or concerns. 

Alternatively do not hesitate to contact me at igcsecoordinator@islzambia.org

Mr Ivanov
IGCSE Coordinator
Examinations Officer - Cambridge International Assessment