People in Nottingham respond to the national ‘chaos’ caused by the A-level results that students have received this year.
The protest was set up by a Nottingham student, who is one of many students left disappointed by the exams outcome.
Attendants gathered at the Brian Clough Statue on Monday, August 17, following the exams outcome.
Students in England received their A-level results on Thursday, August 13. However, as the exams were cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, students were not given grades in the conventional way.
An algorithm was used instead to calculate what grades students would receive, and it is believed to have lowered 40 per cent of the grades given.
It’s because of these lowered grades that students are appealing their results and wanting their predicted grades instead, which they were given by their teachers who know what they’re really capable off.
The protest has been organised by Ava Helmsley, 18, a former student at Nottingham Girls High School.
Attendants in Nottingham gathered at the Brian Clough Statue in Nottingham from 12 to 3pm hoping to see a change.
Ava said: “When I got my results I was disappointed that the system assumed I couldn’t do better.
“I felt let down as I had been reassured that the system would be fair and understand our situation.
“I also felt angry for other friends and students across the country when I became aware of similar experiences.
This was the first protest Ava had organised, but she had a good idea how to go about as she had attended others in the past. Protesters were coming and going throughout the day, with roughly 40 people at any one time.
She added: “I think todays protest went great! Considering that I only organised it in two days, I’m glad it managed to get shared to so many people on social media”.
Despite her predicted grades being ABC, the grades she received were BCE. Like many students across the country, Ava will be appealing to have her mock grades used instead.
Nadia Whittome, Labour MP for West Nottingham, shares students concerns over their results, and has posted a statement about the situation on Twitter, stating that she stands “in full solidarity”.
By Laycie Beck