3rd May 2010 9:00
By Blue Tutors
Exam timetables could be rearranged due to the effect on students and staff as a result of the volcanic ash cloud above the UK recently. In a report on the BBC’s website, the joint qualifications body said it would be “sympathetic” to students experiencing problems because of the delay of flights into the UK.
Many practical and oral exams will be rescheduled so that students can attend them, but the Joint Council for Qualifications stated that written exams will not be changed. However, the JCQ added that in particular circumstances “special consideration” would be given to some students who have been significantly affected, in a similar way to students experiencing illness or bereavement at the time of their exams.
Obviously students who can’t return to the UK will suffer, but the wider problem is the number of teachers who are stranded abroad. Some schools have reported having as many as a quarter of their staff unavailable, and have had to close temporarily because they are simply unable to cope with the normal number of lessons. Many teachers have done their utmost to help their schools and students though, with some teaching via a webcam, and others making a marathon car journey to get back to the UK as quickly as possible.