Cambridge to review O/A levels grading:  Shafqat Mahmood

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister Shafqat Mahmood has said that the Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) had agreed to review its grading procedures for the recent O/A level results.

The development came after a massive outcry by thousands of Pakistani students who believe that their grades were unfair and discriminatory.

Shafqat Mahmood took to Twitter and said, “As a result of our intervention conveying the anguish of our students, I have just heard that Cambridge has agreed to review its grading procedure regarding the recently declared results.”

As a result of our intervention conveying the anguish of our students, I have just heard that Cambridge has agreed to review its grading procedure regarding the recently declared results. It will announce its final verdict after review on Tuesday

— Shafqat Mahmood (@Shafqat_Mahmood) August 14, 2020

The Education Minister further said that the Cambridge Assessment will announce its final verdict on August 18 after reviewing the matter.

Earlier on Friday, the federal minister, in a tweet, informed that the federal government had taken up the matter with the CAIE.

He said, “I want all students to know that we are very unhappy with the result of O and A level and have conveyed our reservations in no uncertain terms to Cambridge. We expect a response soon.”

“We have no intention of closing any foreign exams. The choice of what stream to take will always remain with the students,” he added.

In March 2020, the CAIE announced suspending all its examinations due for the May/June 2020 series amid coronavirus. In this regard, the CAIE adopted an alternative grade prediction system based on past performance and available evidence to issue certifications to registered candidates.

However, four months after the cancellation, thousands of Pakistani students are unhappy with their awarded qualifications. They believe that Cambridge’s grade prediction system has inexplicably downgraded their qualifications.