School News

A-Levels Results Are Now Released : What You Can Do Next?

Published by SchoolAdvisor | Aug 13, 2021

The A-levels results were released on August 10 earlier this week. The BBC announced a rise at A-Level in getting top A* and A grades, and how it rose by 75% compared to exams administered in 2019 in the UK as the assessment was shifted to a more school-based for the current year assessment. Most students in Malaysia who sat for their A-Levels did not have their assessment graded in such a manner and their assessment was exam-based. Nevertheless, it is always an anxious period upon receiving your results and asking “What's next”?

If you are unhappy with your results, you can consider making an appeal. The fundamental step would be to speak to your exams officer and a relevant subject teacher at your school. Teachers or school counsellors will guide you emotionally if you want to make an appeal. The school staff member could manage your expectations based on your previous academic performance and university goals.

Make An Appeal

Suppose you have decided to appeal. To review the grades you are awarded, it is essential to understand it is not an alone process. You will need your school to support your decision to appeal your grades and help apply for the review. As for the independent test, takers may check with the exam centre that submitted their results. There are three types of post-results checks and appeals. The three types of enquiries :

• First  type of enquiry if it was clerical or administrative errors. This will be determined by the centre if such an error took place.
• Second type of enquiry , if it was more substantive concerning the judgement that centre/school has made about the quality of the work produced by the student in their portfolio , which will be used as evidence.
• The final inquiry is "Review of Quality Assurance decisions." It is a "review" of Cambridge International's "judgement during the Quality Assurance process." The Cambridge International Assessment Specialist conducts it.

Based on the Cambridge guide for exam officers, the result review is only administered for your results at the component level. Furthermore, the review of all components is to be done simultaneously and not at separate dates. Finally, it is essential to note that candidates, parents, and legal guardians cannot request directly to review the test results.

Resit A-Levels

If you would like to resit your examination, you will need to speak to your school’s administrators and teachers as they can provide you with the support you require for your resitting process. Please be mindful of the closing date for the November 2021 retake entry, which will be 16 September 2021. It is important for you to find out the results date of your resit if you are planning to enrol to a university in the United Kingdom through University and Admission Service (UCAS).

Apply through UCAS

You have received your A-Levels results and you want to enrol in a university in the United Kingdom. Your results will help determine if you can gain an admission to your primary choice university and course. Based on the UCAS statement, students who received university decisions by July 6 must have responded by July 14 for students looking to enrol for September 2021. Once the university of your choice confirms your acceptance, you should proceed by submitting your proof of your qualifications. If you require assistance, you may approach your school counsellor, academic coach or agent for guidance with regards to supporting your admission process.

If you are applying through UCAS Clearing, there are some scenarios a student may encounter:

 

• First scenario: If you have achieved a higher grade, you can consider an alternative course. Higher grades will increase your chances as a candidate and you may be eligible for other courses. Check the alternative courses through UCAS without losing your original offer. The closing period for Adjustment on UCAS is August 18, 2021.
• Second scenario: If you have not received a university offer, you can still check UCAS’ Clearing using the UCAS Search tool where you can get in touch with potential universities that suit your education goals and aspirations and strategise your options. The deadline for international students is 15 October 2021.
• Third scenario: If you did not meet the requirement set by the university by a thin margin, you may receive a conditional offer. You can try to make an appeal to the institution you prefer and you may receive a placement or receive an alternative offer. If you are registered for UCAS Clearing, you may view your options in the portal.

For students looking to enrol in 2022 (inclusive of deferred applications), application is open on September 7, 2021. The deadlines are as follows:

(i) October 15, 2021 (6 p.m. BST): Any courses at the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge; most medicine, veterinary medicine/science and dentistry courses.

(ii) January 26, 2022 (6 p.m. BST): The deadline for most courses are on this date.

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