In advance of next week’s A level results, the EPC has been alerted to potential problems relating to Physics grades.
We have today received an email from Tom Grinyer, Group Chief Executive of the Institute of Physics. He writes:
“I wanted to bring an issue to your attention that may impact on those being offered undergraduate places next week after A-level results are announced on Thursday 14 August. This was covered in the TES at the time of the exams.
There have been a number of concerns that have been raised about this year’s physics A level exams across two exam boards and we have today written to all heads of physics at the UK’s universities to pass the information on the attached document to their admissions teams. As physics provides access to a range of degree pathways there may be students affected beyond the realm of physics-related courses so we thought we should also alert you.
Unfortunately, there were several mistakes in OCR’s physics (A) exam papers 1 and 2. Erratum notices were issued at the start of the exam, which students found unsettling and there was a further error in Paper 2 that went undetected. We have received several concerned communications about these issues from across the physics teaching community and from parents/carers, which we have raised directly with OCR.
Additionally, the IOP has consulted the AQA board over the past few years regarding the inaccessible contexts and language used in their A level physics papers. Despite assurances that this would be addressed, some of the same issues have recurred this year, particularly on the second paper.
We are concerned that students with conditional offers this year may be affected by the uncertainty and confusion that has surrounded both the AQA and OCR (A) exams. This includes, but is not limited to, those with offers to study physics and may particularly affect any students on a widening participation offer.
Please would you be kind enough to forward the attached letter to any relevant parties so that they are aware of the exam issues for A level physics students.”
Tom Grinyer encourages anyone with any questions or wishing to discuss any aspect of this year’s physics examinations, to contact him or his colleague Rachel Hartley, who is leading on this issue for the IOP.
Best wishes
