As of February 2020, the COVID-19 began to spread across the world. And on March 11th 2020 it was declared a pandemic. 

Schools across the world have shut down, and students' increasingly important learning time cut short. Whilst it is true that many schools have chosen to begin online learning - this has proven ineffective by multitudes of students and teachers alike. Moreover, it would be incredibly unfair to the students who did not have the opportunity to learn online - either due to faltering connections, or the simple notion that their school did not provide any online studies.  

By quotes from students, like myself and others, we have come together to realise that online learning is only stressful and confusing. Keeping lessons the same whilst completely changing the entire platform in which they are taught is very unrealistic - and this has proven to be true. In short, current IGCSE and A-level students are unprepared. 

If the examinations were to continue as planned in May and June, we would all, without a doubt, fall short of our predicted and mock grades. Thus, after much discussion, it can only be deemed unfair to postpone such examinations into the Summer. 

However, there will be students who are unhappy with their predicted or teacher assessment grades; hence, it should seem relevant for these students to be allowed to do the exams with the typical November re-sits. 

In short, postponing the exams is merely cruel to students, and leaving them to be done in May and June will be far too tough for students to do and be expected to perform at their best ability. Therefore, we think it best to cancel the 2020 examinations, give these students teacher assessment grades and allow any student who wishes to, do the exam in November. 

Yours respectfully, a group of concerned year 11 students.