KUALA LUMPUR: Cambridge International has decided not to proceed with examinations for the May/June 2020 series in all countries outside the United Kingdom due to the Covid-19 outbreak.
The papers are Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge O Level, Cambridge International AS & A Level, Cambridge AICE Diploma and Cambridge Pre-U.
“In recent days, many more countries have decided to extend school closures into May and June, making it impossible for many of our schools to hold examinations.”
“We have been consulting closely with our global community of schools, who need as much certainty as possible at an uncertain time.
“Our priority is to protect the safety and wellbeing of our students and teachers, ensure fairness for all our students and support them in continuing with their education.”
“Today, therefore, we have taken the difficult decision not to run our international examinations in the May/June 2020 series in any country,” Cambridge International said in a statement.
It said that it would be working with schools to assess students’ achievements using the best available “evidence”.
“Students will receive a grade and a certificate from Cambridge International, given the knowledge and skills they have acquired in their programmes of study.
“This will ensure students do not face a disadvantage as a result of these extraordinary circumstances.”
“We will guide schools on how students will receive those grades.”
Cambridge International also said that it was engaging universities worldwide and the institutions were factoring the unprecedented circumstances into admissions decisions to allow students to resume their education as soon as possible.
“We are also aware of the impact the situation may have on student motivation and learning. Many of our schools are working hard to deliver teaching online to support their students’ learning.”
“We will continue to offer a wide range of support and resources for schools, teachers and students on our dedicated pages on our website at www.cambridgeinternational.org”
An update is expected to be provided for schools on March 26 (UK) or March 27( for Malaysia) together with regular follow-ups.
“We know that schools will need clear guidance very soon, and we are working around the clock on how to deliver valuable outcomes to students in many countries where we work.”
Last week, England and Wales’ summer General Certificate of Secondary Education and Advanced level exams scheduled in May and June was pulled out. Scotland then followed suit.
This followed the United Kingdom’s decision to close schools as announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.